UD's Chris Johnson shows some inside game

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DAYTON — Chris Johnson may have thought his days of playing center were over when he left Columbus Brookhaven High School, but the 6-foot-6 sophomore wing is so adept at scoring with his back to the basket that he still occasionally ends up in the post.

Johnson had 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds (six on the offensive end) to lead the University of Dayton to an 88-73 exhibition win over Ferris State on Tuesday, Nov. 3. He knocked down outside shots, cleaned up misses around the basket and even swished a turn-around jumper on a post play designed specifically for him.

“I was just trying to get out there and play strong — defense, rebound, run and take care of the ball,” Johnson said. “I was just trying to do what I’m capable of doing, sticking with what I do.”

Johnson made the Atlantic 10 all-rookie team last year and looks even better this season.

“He’s increased his skill level quite a bit, (like) his ability to handle the ball,” UD coach Brian Gregory said. “He’s gotten much better offensively.

“The one thing I’m going to always challenge him on is he can really, really set himself apart as a player on that wing spot by becoming an even better defensive rebounder. Why does he get six offensive rebounds? Because he relentlessly pursues the ball. On the defensive end, he needs to be a little more physical and go after those balls with the same type of intensity.

“If he can do that — with the way he can shoot the ball and his improved ball-handling — he can really be a weapon for us.”

Johnson wasn’t flawless against Ferris State, and neither were the Flyers. He had four of the team’s 23 turnovers.

“I think we did all right, but you can always get better,” he said. “At times we slacked, and at times we looked good.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.