The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/811149
MAY 2017 ■ 37 "I had a chance to sit back and watch him," Johnson said. "I just learned a lot of different things with how he looks at the game and how he views things; his knowl- edge of different situations that come up. "Those decisions aren't easy. I know those decisions aren't easy because I've sat in that seat before." Johnson's coaching experience in the ACC will prove invaluable. "I don't know how many coaches can say they've been an assistant coach in this league, a head coach in this league and then the director of operations in this league," Johnson said. "I've done a little bit of everything in this league and know it well. I think that will be a tremendous help." Johnson is also looking forward to re- turning to recruiting. The winter of 2014 was the last time he was able to watch prep players play live in games. "I still kept in contact with all of my contacts and AAU coaches and high school coaches," Johnson added. "I talked to them on the phone. It will be good to get out and see everyone play." Johnson helped sign former Virginia Tech players such as Malcolm Delaney, Jeff Allen, Manny Atkins and Erick Green, along with current Hokies wing Justin Bibbs and eventual transfer Jalen Hudson, who now attends Florida, "I think it's important for us at NC State to recruit our state," Johnson said. "North Carolina has a rich tradition in high school basketball. "I've been in this business so long and have worked at a lot of different places and a lot of different regions, and I have con- nections in a lot of different places. We'll recruit nationally, too." Johnson has coached against NC State 12 times since 2007, going 6-6. He can't wait to hear the avid Wolfpack fans pulling for the team he is helping coach. "It is one of the best places to play in the league, and the crowds are unbelievable," Johnson said. "When we played at NC State, whether at Virginia Tech or Miami, we talked how it was a tough environment and a great place to play." ■ "I've done a little bit of everything in this league and know it well. I think that will be a tremendous help." ■ Johnson on his coaching experience in the ACC