By Noah Allison–
Last year, Louisville’s starting power forward Montrezl Harrell wrapped up his success filled three-year career at U of L.
The national champion and program leader in dunks entered his junior year a preseason first team All-American. He went on to play and start in 35 games, averaging 35 minutes of play per game. He led the Cardinals in rebounds with 309 on the season and finished as the team’s second highest scorer.
Averaging 15.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, the upperclassmen helped will his team to the Elite Eight and come a missed free throw away from his second Final Four appearance.
Louisville no longer has Montrezl Harrell, and it’s time for his pupil to take the floor.
Sophomore power forward Jaylen Johnson has shown promise through the early efforts of this season. As one of 12 first or second year players on the Louisville roster, the 6-foot-9 forward from Ypsilanti, Michigan knows his role has significantly grown from last year.
“I feel like I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder with the expectations that I want to live up to for myself. Personally I have a big chip on my shoulder and I’ll be able to carry the weight,” Johnson said.
In the inaugural scrimmage of the season against Bellarmine University, Johnson scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, finishing with Louisville’s only double-double on the day. While it is still early and Johnson has shown inconsistency, his improvement is noticeable while his upside is obvious.
“He is a good rebounder and has a good nose for the ball,” Head Coach Rick Pitino said.
Rebounding is Johnson’s best way to contribute early on.
“Like coach says, just keep your eye on the ball. I’ve always been good at tipping the ball, but it’s about the aggression. You’ve always got to be aggressive and don’t be scared to go get it,” Johnson said.
Johnson is well aware of the opportunity ahead of him. As a freshman sitting behind Harrell, he was needed in 23 of the Cardinals’ 36 games last season. He had zero starts and averaged 4.6 minutes per game throughout the season. He played good minutes and finished the season with 29 points and 29 rebounds. Johnson also played in five of the final six games of the season and had impactful moments.
“I enjoy the process. Patience is key, and patience is what has gotten me to this day,” Johnson said. “I didn’t get frustrated from last year. I took it as a learning process. It helped a lot.”
Under Montrezl Harrell’s direct tutelage, Johnson is expected to produce.
“I’m a tough kid, and he made me go to the next level of toughness. Now I feel like if I can go against him. I can go against anybody,” Johnson said.
For the promising sophomore, the time is now.
While Louisville presents a deep and talented cast of players, only the trials and tribulations of the season will determine who takes the court at the end of the year. With so many young players, Johnson finds his role flipped in a matter of months. Once the young understudy who rarely needed to play, Johnson is now a key component of U of L’s basketball program.
As much as he enjoys the process, Johnson is rising to the occasion and feels the difference from last year to now.
“I’ve been working for this season,” Johnson concludes.
“Last year it was me not knowing the plays and getting help from older people. Now, it’s me helping the younger guys, and it’s cool. It feels like I’m a leader now.”
