When College of Charleston accepted an invite to play in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off, few thought they’d hold their own against the Bigs. Their senior forward begs to differ.
By Jermaine Johnson, as told to Jameka S. Whitten
Our enthusiasm was obvious as we landed in San Juan – the air felt almost electric with excitement. We had been looking forward to this trip all year. This was my first time in Puerto Rico, and I was struck by the color and flavor of the land. The pulse of the city was, in a word, cool. As soon as we arrived at the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino and dropped off our bags, my teammates and I spent most of our time roaming the streets, just taking in the sights and sounds. The people were incredible – they treated us like NBA stars. I definitely enjoyed my newfound celebrity. Alberto Perez, our guide, treated us like family. Months after our trip, we still talk about it all the time. According to Alberto, I am now officially half Puerto Rican.
Even though we had a banquet (and practice, of course) later that night, the best part of Day 1 was simply walking around, exploring the city. That Saturday, we didn’t have any games so we spent a day in the rain forest. It was so beautiful; trees everywhere, fresh air, just a breathtaking view everywhere you looked. It was as if we had been temporarily transported to a whole new world. The sounds of the forest were both comforting and alarming. Those mongooses gave me a run for my money. It was a great day to relax.
Game 1: vs. Arkansas
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At 6'7", 250 pounds, Johnson is often compared to the NBA's Zach Randolph.
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We opened the first day of the tournament with a less-than-stellar performance against tournament favorite Arkansas, whose star sophomore, Patrick Beverley, had predicted they’d win it all. Well, we got killed 75-49. There’s no other way to put it. Beverley got off to a fast start, and Sonny Weems, their star senior, did the rest. Honestly, I know we lost that game by a bunch, but we beat ourselves. We kept shooting 3-pointers instead of staying in character and doing what we do best. We didn’t get settled in until the second half, and it was too late at that point. It was very disappointing and frustrating. We have a lot of young players on the team – six freshmen who are just getting used to playing at this level and only two seniors. Our team’s inexperience was evident. The young guys just got nervous and lost their focus. Believe me, I know exactly how they feel. I have been there. Too bad I wasn’t there for them much this game, as my stat line wasn’t anything to brag about: 28 minutes, 3 points, 3 rebounds. You can imagine how I felt after that loss. Team morale was definitely low.
Game 2: vs. Temple
The tournament’s eighth game – our second – was pure garbage. Temple, b
ehind Dionte Christmas’ 21 first-half points, came out swinging. By halftime, we were down 50-25. We were really struggling, and maybe a bit overwhelmed. I was still recovering from the loss to Arkansas the night before, but we needed to redeem ourselves. In the locker room at halftime, coach Bobby Cremins did his best to encourage us. He told us to keep our heads up and work on cutting the deficit to 10 points by the 10-minute mark. That’s a tall order when you consider the way the Owls were playing.
In the second half, we came out like a team with nothing to lose – forcing turnover after turnover. Temple seemed a little shellshocked, and when Donovan Monroe hit a 3-pointer with 10:01 left to cap a 27-9 second-half run, we’d cut their lead to seven points, 59-52.
Our plan was shaping up just as Coach Cremins had sketched it. With only seconds left in the game and the score tied at 76, Temple missed a chance to seal the win. I grabbed the rebound, and out-letted to forward Dustin Scott, who is not a natural ball-handler. Dustin did his best to get the ball across the time line, but was desperately looking for a guard. With less than five seconds to go, Dustin had no choice but to heave up a 3, which hit nothing but the bottom of the net. Ballgame! We even made the SportsCenter Top 10 plays that night. Coach was so proud. He told us that we showed a lot of heart and that we played like men. He also told us that this showed him that we have the ability to beat anyone in the country. Our win was historic, and it felt good. I rebounded as well, and finished with 13 points and 4 rebounds in 33 minutes.
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Johnson is a 2007-08 preseason All-Southern Conference Selection.
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Game 3: vs. Houston
Although I was still euphoric from our win against Temple, I was worried going into our game against Houston. I tried to warn my teammates and coaches about Robert McKiver’s skills, but I think my team underestimated him. I played with McKiver in high school, and I knew his capabilities. Uncharacteriscally of a Bobby Cremins-coached team, we really rushed through this game, and didn’t play good defense. I didn’t touch the ball enough. I was frustrated and angry that no one was passing me the ball, and I allowed that frustration to mess up my game. I should have kept my cool and just played better. And again, just like the first game of the tournament, we lost our heads and allowed Houston to set the pace. We, of course, never recovered – and Mr. McKiver torched us for 37 points in the 84-69 loss.
Tournament Recap
I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to play in a tournament of this magnitude in such a gorgeous setting. We played three very big games, and learned a lot about ourselves in each. During our downtime, I was able to catch up with players and coaches from other teams, which was great. It was like a mini-reunion; I knew many of the guys from either high school or basketball camps we’d attended together through the years. I had the experience of a lifetime in Puerto Rico, and that trip really set the stage for the rest of the year.
I learned a lot about myself, too – as a player and a man. I experienced some growing pains, but the outcome has been well worth it because I am stronger and more focused mentally. I learned how to be patient with my teammates. I needed to be reminded that I was once a young player, too, doing the same type of stuff. Most important, my team has become more cohesive. I learned that when I am worried or have too much on my mind, I don’t play well. Before, I was so resistant to change; now, I welcome it.
The Future
I am having a ball in my last year of school, and I am looking forward to pursuing a professional basketball career. I have already started talking to some people I trust, getting as much solid advice as I can. I believe I am a strong contender for the NBA; it’s just a matter of me keeping my focus and continuing to do what I do well. I’m always being compared to Zach Randolph of the New York Knicks. He’s left-handed, he rebounds, and has the ability to just get the job done. I am all of those things. People say we even look alike.
Until then, I’m just enjoying the year and looking forward to whatever may come my way.
Writer Jameka S. Whitten is a reporter for ESPN Regional Television.
