The Stanimal declares for NBA Draft.
By Ryan Reyes
Freshmen, Stanley Johnson, declared for the 2015 NBA Draft today weeks after Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashley declared for the draft.
Mar 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) moves to the basket against Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the finals of the west regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
It was a sad Thursday afternoon when news broke that freshmen Stanley Johnson will declare for the 2015 NBA draft according to an ESPN report. I was in disbelief that he was even going to the draft since Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashley announced a couple of weeks ago. I thought Stanley would not leave the Wildcats team hanging all this time while he made his decision.
Stanley Johnson and Coach Sean Miller sat down for a press conference this evening to announce Stanley’s decision to declare for the draft. A humble Stanley opened by thanking God, family, friends and everyone at the University of Arizona. He learned so much from the coaching staff at Arizona and has memories that he will never forget. He did put a lot of hard thought into it but in the end he thought that this was the best decision.
“Hell of a lot of thought coming back,” said Johnson.
He talked to last year’s star Aaron Gordon and it came down to what Stanley believed in. He is going to miss the Saturday afternoon games UCLA and Gonzaga. The preperation before the game at La Paloma, and the Zonazoo going crazy. Stanley plans on completing his degree slowly but surely since U of A offers online degrees.
Stanley was outstanding for the Wildcats this season, averaging 13.8 point and 6.8 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game. He played a vital role for our team that went 34-4, winning the PAC-12 Championship since 2002 and leading us to our second consecutive Elite 8 appearance. ESPN Insider Chad Ford ranks the stanimal No.11 among current NBA prospects.
Coach Sean Miller even said it is always a bittersweet moment for him. Even with Rondae and Brandon. He doesn’t get to spend time with guys long enough and that’s why it is not easy to say goodbye.
Arizona Wildcats
“The reason that we didn’t have all three of these guys all lined up together is because they all came to a decision at different points,” said Coach Miller.
Stanley came to a conclusion on his own time. He did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people before making this decision. He took time making the right decision for the right reasons.
Coach Miller does not doubt that Stanley will be a high pick and have a long career to be proud of. Stanley will enter the NBA at an appropriate time, his skills translate very well at the next level. He shoots as many free throws per game as any player in the country.
Coach Miller even compared Stanley’s aggressiveness to ability to create free throw opportunities to MVP runner up James Harden. Wherever Stanley has played, at every level he has done it exceptional well.
With four high school championships at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California and one Elite 8 appearance, that should be enough experience to enter the NBA. But it was my opinion that the Stanley should have stuck around for at least another year. Over the course of this season he was maturing and growing as a player, true, but I believed he had more room to grow in playing college ball.
Mar 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots during practice as head coach Sean Miller watches before the semifinal of the west regional at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Not only did he use his quickness and strength to drive to the basket, he was able to step out and hit mid to long-range shots for the Cats this season. On break aways I had always hoped the ball would end up in Johnson’s hand for one of his signature one handed dunks.
He showed the potential for greatness but he also showed a little immaturity as well. Here’s why: The Wildcats three losses during the regular season were all mostly likely due to the play of Mr. Johnson. As he attempted to carry the Wildcats on his shoulders and win those games for us. I was rooting for him believe me, but what I witnessed was inexperience. Not making wide open layouts and shots, erratic ball handling that ended up steals. By staying an extra season, I thought Coach Miller could iron out those wrinkles for him.
But as Stanley said in his press conference, “My life, my way.”
I remember like it was yesterday when I was watching his ballislife high school mix tape. I was floored! Couldn’t believe this unbelievable talent from Southern California would bless us with his presence. He did not disappoint. I do wish the best for Stanley Johnson. It is not going to be easy but I can see him turning into a hell of a good player. He has potential for greatness. Just hope he takes advantage of the gift that he has been given.
Much love Stanley and Beardown!
Next: Sean Miller’s Already Busy in This Offseason, What’s New? What’s Not?