Prospect Profile: Debyn Johnson (2018)
Debyn Johnson is capable of doing a lot of things on the basketball court. He showed that over the summer and is looking forward to a big senior season.
Johnson, a 6-foot-4 forward from Grand Forks Central (N.D), spent the grassroots season with ECI Select and while he struggled to shoot the ball up to his standards, he found ways to impact the game thanks to a bevy of all-around skills.
“I think I got a lot better overall,” Johnson said. “I struggled to shoot the ball as well as I think I’m capable but I improved a lot of other areas of my game.”
Johnson said his defense, particularly on the ball, improved a great deal as he was challenged by top-notch players all over the state and midwest.
The senior forward averaged 14 points, four rebounds and three assists as a junior and is deployed all over the floor as he’s a solid perimeter shooter, slasher and finisher.
“My defense got a lot better,” said Johnson. “I always used to try to swat balls; I was a guy who fouled a lot and try to block shots. I learned to stay down and stay in front of defenders. I needed to work on my defense and that’s where I felt like I made the biggest improvement.”
Johnson attended a Jamestown camp over the summer and is hoping to draw more college interest with a strong senior season.
“My plan is just to see if I can draw some interest with a strong season,” said Johnson. “I want to try to catch people’s eyes as much as possible. We’re hoping to have a better season than last year. Our main players were mostly juniors last year so we’re hoping to be a little better because we are more experienced.”
**Photo Credit: Grand Forks Herald**