Welcome Xavier Johnson

[JPgmuswim]

Welcome the newest member of the Mason basketball program Xavier Johnson!

https://twitter.com/__xj2__/status/1043622448573415426?s=21

 

[NewPatriot]

This is a great pickup...Xavier Johnson is one of the 2 or 3 best play makers in the DMV

 

[Patriotsince81]

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/xavier-johnson/WgthVI_QEeW-8KA2nzwbTA/default.htm

 

[masonjoe]

Im confused, was he originally committed to Pitt? https://247sports.com/player/xavier-johnson-45573253/

 

[GMU1983]

Im confused, was he originally committed to Pitt? https://247sports.com/player/xavier-johnson-45573253/

That is another Johnson from class of 2018

 

[GMU_DCU]

Man I saw YouTube videos of Xavier Johnson from Bishop O’Connell and was very very impressed we got that kid. Wrong Xavier Johnson, the one that committed to Mason is from Episcopal and I can’t find much video on him. Seems like another under the radar get. Welcome to Mason Xavier!

 

[Herndon]

Man I saw YouTube videos of Xavier Johnson from Bishop O’Connell and was very very impressed we got that kid. Wrong Xavier Johnson, the one that committed to Mason is from Episcopal and I can’t find much video on him. Seems like another under the radar get. Welcome to Mason Xavier!

He has a highlight video on hudl

 

[GMUgemini]

It'll be interesting to actually have a battle at the PG spot next season. It's been a long time since we've had two actual point guards at the same time.

 

[gmujim92]

It'll be interesting to actually have a battle at the PG spot next season. It's been a long time since we've had two actual point guards at the same time.

Especially because there’s a scenario where neither of them starts and Kier plays the point as a senior.

It will depend on how each player develops, obviously, but with 3 seniors and 3 juniors on the 2019-20 team, we could see Dave get creative and roll out a 3-guard lineup that doesn’t have a prototypical PG.

 

[GMU_DCU]

Especially because there’s a scenario where neither of them starts and Kier plays the point as a senior.

It will depend on how each player develops, obviously, but with 3 seniors and 3 juniors on the 2019-20 team, we could see Dave get creative and roll out a 3-guard lineup that doesn’t have a prototypical PG.

Doubtful that will happen, I’m guessing it will be Hartwell’s job when Kier is a senior.

 

[GMUgemini]

Doubtful that will happen, I’m guessing it will be Hartwell’s job when Kier is a senior.

We know Kier can handle initiating the offense, since he did a lot of that last season. So the question might depend more on Hartwell vs. Greene/JDS than it does Hartwell vs. Kier.

 

[By George.]

Especially because there’s a scenario where neither of them starts and Kier plays the point as a senior.

It will depend on how each player develops, obviously, but with 3 seniors and 3 juniors on the 2019-20 team, we could see Dave get creative and roll out a 3-guard lineup that doesn’t have a prototypical PG.

We know Kier can handle initiating the offense, since he did a lot of that last season. So the question might depend more on Hartwell vs. Greene/JDS than it does Hartwell vs. Kier.

Agreed, we could see a Kier + Greene backcourt once Otis leaves. It seems like Paulsen has been prepping Kier with that responsibility since day 1.

 

[gmujim92]

We know Kier can handle initiating the offense, since he did a lot of that last season. So the question might depend more on Hartwell vs. Greene/JDS than it does Hartwell vs. Kier.

Agreed. If JDS shoots the ball in college the way he did in HS, it’s going to be tough to keep him on the bench unless he’s absolutely a turnstile on D.

I could see a backcourt with Kier and two of Greene/Boyd/JDS being very attractive to a staff that values taking care of the ball and high basketball IQ — especially because we’re gonna have a very experienced team (3 seniors, 4 juniors) even without Otis and Jaire.

Regardless it’s a good problem if you have too many options to replace one of the best players in the history of your program. It will all work itself out on the court.

 

[GMUgemini]

Agree, Jim...and of course, welcome to Xavier Johnson, who is choosing Mason at a time of ascendancy. It should be a really interesting next couple of seasons.

 

[MASONscott]

Especially because there’s a scenario where neither of them starts and Kier plays the point as a senior.

It will depend on how each player develops, obviously, but with 3 seniors and 3 juniors on the 2019-20 team, we could see Dave get creative and roll out a 3-guard lineup that doesn’t have a prototypical PG.

Dave doesn’t want Kier playing the point. That only happens in unfortunate circumstances.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[gmujim92]

Agree, Jim...and of course, welcome to Xavier Johnson, who is choosing Mason at a time of ascendancy. It should be a really interesting next couple of seasons.

Absolutely. Xavier is a great fit for our program on many levels.

I’m glad Dave has rebuilt the roster to the point that we can now let freshmen come in and acclimate to college basketball for a year instead of throwing them right into the fire like Otis and Jaire.

 

[illayin]

Full sophomore season highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/27t2u3

and junior season: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6827963/5af7c5b19a926506b45e1e44

 

[GMU_DCU]

Full sophomore season highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/27t2u3

and junior season: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6827963/5af7c5b19a926506b45e1e44

Seems quick with a good handle and able to finish at the rim with contact in a way that reminded me of Marquise Moore. Slow release on his outside shot but still looks like a good player, not sure why there weren’t that many offers for this guy.

 

[MasonFanatic]

I thought his release looked better on the junior year reel than the sophomore year one.

 

[Jack Strop]

Xavier Johnson – 2nd team All-Met, Washington Post. Congratulations!