There was an old saying North Carolina forward Brice Johnson would remind his teammates and coaches prior to practice.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day; it was worked on everyday.”
This is the motto Johnson uses day-in and day-out as he prepares to take the next step in his basketball career.
“Got to put in work everyday and the results will come.” said Johnson.
The Nuggets brought Brice Johnson in for their fifth wave of workouts, and the forward impressed.
Although he is considered to be undersized at 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, Johnson is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
In his four years at UNC Johnson re-wrote the records books, becoming one of four Tar Heels with 1,800 career points, 1,000 rebounds, and shooting at least 55 percent from the field.
He is also the first Tar Heel ever to record 600 points, 400 rebounds, 50 blocks, and 40 steals in a single season. He also led the ACC in field goal percentage and double-doubles.
His elite athleticism and ability to grab boards are great, but the scheme in which he played at UNC hurt his value as he was not able to truly show what he could do offensively.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Johnson is his ability to shoot the basketball. Johnson says that should not be an issue at the next level.
“I didn’t really get to shoot the ball as much,” he said in reference to what he is trying to prove during his pre-draft workouts. “I’ve already had the jump shot, it’s just in college coach Williams didn’t let me do it … I can shoot the ball, I’ve been able to shoot the ball.”
Johnson was a physical presence in his senior year averaging a double-double per game with 17.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
His athleticism makes up for his small size, as he is a natural athlete. It showed during his workout with the Nuggets.
Brice Johnson, North Carolina forward #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/6SRPkgxT8w
— Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP) June 9, 2016
Johnson is projected to be a late first round pick, which could bode well for the young forward.
In addition to the seventh pick, the Nuggets also own the 15th and 19th picks in the draft, meaning they could jump on Johnson if they believe he is the proper fit for their team.
He plays the forward position, and rebounds well, but the Nuggets need scoring badly and that has proven to be one of his biggest flaws.
Brice Johnson would be a project for the Nuggets; however, if he pans out he could become a versatile player for the organization in the near future.
