Since the UConn preview has yet to drop, here’s my bit about Samson:
Whether it was Donovan Clingan developing under Adama Sanogo or Samson Johnson being the spark off the bench alongside Clingan, the bedrock of UConn’s most recent championship teams have been a one-two punch at the center position and this upcoming season is no exception.
While an essential bench piece in last year’s championship season, many forget that Samson Johnson started his sophomore year as the team’s starting power forward, but a foot injury suffered in the season’s opener allowed Alex Karaban to step into the starting lineup and secure his spot as one of the team’s most important players across the last two seasons.
Playing every game last season, Samson Johnson, with his electric rim-running athleticism and comfort in transition, excelled as a sharp contrast to Donovan Clingan’s classic post game. A low-usage big in half-court sets, Johnson’s above-the-rim hops inspired various sets to get him open looks on lob plays while his dexterity and soft hands helped Johnson finish last season with the second best 2P% in the Big East (69%). To take the next step in his development, Johnson will need to continue to gain strength in one-to-one low post defensive situation and also start developing the perimeter game he was able to show off at his time at the Patrick School.
