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Feature on JaJuan Johnson
 
Coming out of Franklin Central High School, Johnson was a Top 100 national recruit and one of the four highly touted recruits brought in by coach Matt Painter.

 
Freshman Johnson takes the ball to the hoop against Michigan.
 
Freshman Johnson takes the ball to the hoop against Michigan.
 
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Jan. 10, 2008

This season, freshman JaJuan Johnson has started every game for the Boilermakers at ýcenter and been a key contributor to Purdue's good start. Coming out of Franklin Central High School, Johnson was a Top 100 national recruit and one of the four highly touted recruits brought in by coach Matt Painter. Purdue Sports Information recently had a chance to talk with Johnson about his time at Purdue and how the adjustment to college basketball and life has been.

What were the factors that led to your decision to attend Purdue? "It really came down to the fact that I was comfortable here. The coaches, the whole staff, and the players were all cool. I also liked the potential of the recruits that I saw and ýhow good we could be. The coaches tried to get to know me and my family. They spent hours talking to us, coming to my games and things like that. They just do a good job of making you feel comfortable and trying to get to know you."

On the court, how has playing at Purdue been so far this season? "It has been fun; it has been very different transitioning from high school. We do a lot of things different, but it's been a smooth transition. The coaching staff and staff do a great job of getting you ready for the transition and how it is going to be at the college level."

What has been the biggest transition on the court from high school to college? "I would say the defensive aspect of the game and how physical it is have been the two biggest differences. Off the court, managing my time has been the biggest transition. You have to manage your time. You've got school and then you have practice; it's just important to manage your time. The staff does a good job of helping out with whatever ýwe need; they've really helped to make the transition a smooth one."

What has the difference been in practice between high school and college? "There's definitely a difference. We go just as long timewise, but it's more physical and they demand a lot more out of you. It's just tougher all around. In practice here, the drills are more competitive than in high school, but that helps. Going against the other guys really helps and I think it will help me get better as a player."

 

 

What one game are you looking forward to playing in this season? "I would have to say Indiana. You know, you hear so much about the rivalry. They tell us it is a different atmosphere, and especially this year when we're playing down at Indiana. I've heard it can get real crazy and the fans really get into it. I just think it will be a real fun game to be a part of. Indiana offered me a scholarship, but I felt a lot more comfortable with Purdue, with the coaches and with the recruits we had coming in."

What player or players are you looking forward to playing against this season? "I really don't have one. It will be nice to play Indiana. It will be fun playing against Eric Gordon. We played him in the regional championship in high school. I think they beat us by like four points, but it was a really fun game to play in. It would be nice to go in there and get the win against them, especially down at Assembly Hall. And we will be playing against D.J. White, who is an established big man, so that will be a good game."

What part of your game do you want to improve on the most this season? "I would have to say my defense. I'm still not satisfied with any part of my game right now. I just want to keep making positive strides in all parts of my game, so I can be where I want to be. For my low-post game, I've been shooting every chance I can get to try and work on my game. I've been trying to get into the gym every chance I can get."

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