Will Johnston Will Provide Some Valuable Leadership
By Tim Thomas
Feb 8, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies guard Will Johnston (25) drives with the ball as Pittsburgh Panthers guard Chris Jones (12) and forward Jamel Artis (1) defend during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies’ men’s basketball program has seen a lot of change this offseason with the biggest being the head coaching change with James Johnson being fired and replaced by Buzz Williams. The Hokies also saw multiple players leave including Trevor Thompson and Ben Emelogu who was the captain for the Hokies this past season.
However, the Hokies have brought in some quality talent that will make an impact next season with Seth Allen transferring from Maryland and Zach LeDay transferring from South Florida. The Hokies also brought in a strong class of recruits with guards Justin Bibbs, Ahmed Hill, Jalen Hudson, center Satchel Pierce, and JUCO power forward Shane Henry.
This young team will need some leadership and one player that will provide that is senior Will Johnston.
Johnston likely will not be a starter for the Hokies this fall but the senior guard from Midlothian, Virginia is a hard worker and that is something that every coach wants in every player. Johnston has seen his minutes grow over his career from just over 3 minutes as a freshman to just under 20 minutes this past season.
Johnston is a tough guard and has the size to prove it at 6-4 and 225 pounds which shows how strong and big he is. Johnston is not a great scorer but this is a guy the Hokies can bring in late in games to provide great defense along with being a good enough free throw shooter to not be a liability at the line after shooting almost 65% at the charity stripe last season.
Johnston is going to be a valuable leader for the Hokies this fall and could have a big impact beyond the court.