Geron Johnson

[aharr19]

I attended Memphis Madness this year just like last year and I was very excited to get a glimpse of what type of team we will have this year. As I expected, we look like we will have a really good team, but one guy that stood out to me was Geron Johnson. I had been hearing all this stuff about how good this guy is and how we got a steal when we got him, but I had never seen anything to affirm that. Well...this kid could be special! I mean he has a strong build and the kid is one of the most athletic and explosive players I saw out there. He reminds of Derrick Rose. I know that's a lofty comparison, but I'm not saying he'll be as good as DRose, but his build and explosive leaping ability remind me a lot of Rose. He actually has a much better shooting stroke that Rose did. If this kid stays out of trouble and Pastner incorporates him smoothly into what the team is doing this could be a special year for the Tigers. Am I alone in my assessment? Did anybody else come away impressed by Johnson's physical tools?

[Tigerstripes]

I attended Memphis Madness this year just like last year and I was very excited to get a glimpse of what type of team we will have this year. As I expected, we look like we will have a really good team, but one guy that stood out to me was Geron Johnson. I had been hearing all this stuff about how good this guy is and how we got a steal when we got him, but I had never seen anything to affirm that. Well...this kid could be special! I mean he has a strong build and the kid is one of the most athletic and explosive players I saw out there. He reminds of Derrick Rose. I know that's a lofty comparison, but I'm not saying he'll be as good as DRose, but his build and explosive leaping ability remind me a lot of Rose. He actually has a much better shooting stroke that Rose did. If this kid stays out of trouble and Pastner incorporates him smoothly into what the team is doing this could be a special year for the Tigers. Am I alone in my assessment? Did anybody else come away impressed by Johnson's physical tools?

To make any assessment of a player you would need to see him more than the brief time at MM. Most of the players and coaches seem to be quite impressed with him though. There is no doubt that he has offensive skills. He's also according to most a very hard worker spending a lot of time in the gym. It's probably going to be defense, turnovers and playing as part of this team that will take him a while to learn.

[tigerguru]

I was very surprised by his athleticism as well. Like you, I had heard about it, but to see it on his couple of dunks, I was very impressed. I also liked the way he carried himself around the gym. He looks like a kid who realizes this is probably his last shot, and was all about business. I hope he can keep his focus on the prize because I am with you, he has a chance to be very special. I think I heard say at some point in an interview that he views his defense as one of his strongest areas and an area he will make an immediate impact in. Like, TS said he will have to work on turnovers and team play (but really our entire team needs to work on their team play). I am excited for the season to start and getting to see him in game action.

[altoncwell]

I agree 100%, and made the xact same comparison earlier today!

The UT Martin game was my first glimpse of Geron. I was mesmerized. This guy has WORLD CLASS TALENT. To have that much speed, and agility at 200 lbs is incredible! I just pray he has matured enough to give himself a chance not to squander his blessings. I believe he could be a lottery pick someday. He just has to keep it together and keep growing as a player. If he does then the sky is the limit!

Cris

[stigner]

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...r/?partner=RSS

Good article on GJ. Not sure how I feel about black showing frustration just a few days after his meltdown.

[altoncwell]

Geron had 21 points tonight, and made life a living hell for one of the top point guards in the country! Cannot wait for the next Tiger game because I have a new favorite player!

Cris

[memphistinker]

Been rooting for him since he gave his verbal. Geron and DJ are my favorites . . . also Joe and Shaq . . .

[AFTiger]

I like his intesity and toughness; we need that badly. I hope it rubs off on some of the others.

[mstiger]

Been rooting for him since he gave his verbal. Geron and DJ are my favorites . . . also Joe and Shaq . . .

I really like all the players on this team. I would like to see all the players play up to their potential, play with intensity and enthusiasm and enjoy playing.

The game last night was fun to watch.

Go tigers!!

[altoncwell]

Just a thought... did you SEE near the end of the first half when Geron faked right, crossed over through the legs, and then drove into the lane for a LEFT HANDED layup? There is only one Memphis player I can think of in the last decade that could replicate that move with such quickness and finesse.

You know what is so damn funny to me? I bet Calipari is DYING. What he would not do for Geron to be on his team at this point.

Way to go Pastner! I would not trade Geron for anyone. This is just what the Dr ordered!

cris

New Geron Johnson article in the CA written by Geoff Calkins.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...-guy-who-also/

[anothertigerfan]

Just a thought... did you SEE near the end of the first half when Geron faked right, crossed over through the legs, and then drove into the lane for a LEFT HANDED layup? There is only one Memphis player I can think of in the last decade that could replicate that move with such quickness and finesse.

You know what is so damn funny to me? I bet Calipari is DYING. What he would not do for Geron to be on his team at this point.

Way to go Pastner! I would not trade Geron for anyone. This is just what the Dr ordered!

cris

Wolken said on Twitter that Geron is the best player we've had since the Calipari era.

[altoncwell]

Agree.!

Here's a link to a article just written by Gary Parrish.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...nd-for-memphis

Cannot help but really pull for this kid. Let's keep him in our prayers that he keeps this attitude so that he can keep this new trajectory for his life.

[FtWorthTiger]

Agree.!

Here's a link to a article just written by Gary Parrish.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebask...nd-for-memphis

Cannot help but really pull for this kid. Let's keep him in our prayers that he keeps this attitude so that he can keep this new trajectory for his life.

The really great part about the whole thing is the fact that all this success will feel good and hopefully he will want that to continue. He has to like how his life is going right now. This could be his springboard to the NBA if he plays his cards right. WAY TO GO GJ!!!

[rc0213]

Geron looks like someone who has a lot potential, and now has a chance to make the best of it. He made mistakes until now, and Coach Pastner did not want any of those troubles coming to Memphis, and I agree with that. And, Geron has been following the strict policies on him so far, and he seems to fitting in real well with the Tigers.

I really hope Geron does well on and off the court, and possibly make it to the NBA. Memphis took a chance on Geron, and Geron is showing his appreciation back by giving all he has.

Go Geron!!

Go Tigers!!

[altoncwell]

MY goodness this is fun! I know Austin Peay is no challenge, but still!

Geron is on fire. He makes life a living hell for the other teams point guard.

And let me say this....

Nobody likes D.Rose comparisons but I have to say that while D.Rose is probably a better point guard, IMO G.J. is probably the better defender - and that is saying a lot!

Let's see what he does against Louisville's senior point guard Siva. Should be very interesting!

[altoncwell]

I just want to take a second to compliment Geron on his lack of tattoos. IMO it reallys helps him on his quest to rebuild his image.

Very impressive in this day and age.

[mr_tigs]

I need to get tatted up on the real though.

[blueblood64]

When the tramp stamps are no longer the fashion, these guys will have to start wearing berkas.

[altoncwell]

Geron (and Adonis Thomas) saved the day last night. Well done.

A three from Johnson gave the Tigers some comfort as they built a nine-point lead with less than seven minutes to go. The Mustangs pulled back within five with four points from the line, but Johnson answered once again with his fifth triple of the night to give the Tigers a 48-40 advantage at the last media timeout.

The Mustangs were only able to get within six the rest of the way as Memphis hit 12-of-16 from the stripe in the final 1:38 to clinch a 60-52 win.

Johnson led the Tigers with 19 points, setting a career-high in three-point field goals made with five. Thomas also reached double figures for Memphis with 14 points, going 7-of-8 from the free throw line. The Tigers were held to just 30 percent from the floor while SMU was not much better at 31 percent. The Mustangs had 26 points in the paint compared to Memphis' 12 while also holding an advantage in second chance points (15-6).

http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-b...020613aac.html

[altoncwell]

Geron Johnson leads Memphis to 89-76 win over Southern Miss
John Martin
on Sat Feb 09, 2013 5:10 PM CST

HATTIESBURG, MISS. -- Behind a near triple-double effort from dynamic guard Geron Johnson, the University of Memphis upended Southern Miss, 89-76, Saturday afternoon at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Johnson finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Tigers' first win this season over a Top 50 RPI opponent.

The Tigers (20-3, 9-0 Conference USA) built a 47-39 halftime lead with the help of guard Chris Crawford, who nailed four 3-pointers before the intermission. They made 15 of their first 20 shots to start the game.

The U of M has now won 14 games in a row and owns sole possession of first place in C-USA.

[BealeStreetTiger]

Geron really put on a show down in Hattiesburg. He played a complete game at both ends of the court and USM had no answer for him.

Lol, one fan said they were “Johnsoned”.

[snowtiger]

I just want to take a second to compliment Geron on his lack of tattoos. IMO it reallys helps him on his quest to rebuild his image.

Very impressive in this day and age.

Tats do not denote a bad image. Some of them are quite artistic. Many fair complected women get them out here in exquisite colors and Celtic designs. You might as well get used to it, if you're a younger person. The fad is going to be around for awhile.

[tiganiga]

Tats do not denote a bad image. Some of them are quite artistic. Many fair complected women get them out here in exquisite colors and Celtic designs. You might as well get used to it, if you're a younger person. The fad is going to be around for awhile.

show us your tramp stamp

[synn]

I was one of the ones worried about the "knucklehead" rule.
It looks like I was very, very wrong.

Everything I've heard directly from GJ has been respectful, honest and humble (well..mostly humble ).
Maintaining his game/development will be a huge plus for JP.

[snowtiger]

What is this humble/proud thing people keep looking for in elite athletes? Is LeBron Humble? Is Kobe humble? What about Derrick Rose? Do you really think he's humble?

Derrick Rose is just above the whole silliness thing of humble/proud--not affected by either. Humble is not a necessary component. Nor is pride. They are just judgments we make of their actions and words or even their 'reported' words.

Rant over.

Kung Hai Fat Choy!

[altoncwell]

Tats do not denote a bad image. Some of them are quite artistic. Many fair complected women get them out here in exquisite colors and Celtic designs. You might as well get used to it, if you're a younger person. The fad is going to be around for awhile.

Look, most of the basketball world are covered in them (including our current team - which I love) so I know that it's just "the cover" and not the book. Thing is that it is without question that having visible tattoos can make it a more difficult road for those of us not talented enough to be a singer, athlete, or movie star (which is most of us).

Therefore, I find Geron's clean arms to be a refreshing departure from the current "norm" as he demonstrates you can be still be scary tough and beautifully sculpted minus the ink.

Just my humble opinion and I am aware that it sounds completely old fashioned.

[snowtiger]

Look, most of the basketball world are covered in them (including our current team - which I love) so I know that it's just "the cover" and not the book. Thing is that it is without question that having visible tattoos can make it a more difficult road for those of us not talented enough to be a singer, athlete, or movie star (which is most of us).

Therefore, I find Geron's clean arms to be a refreshing departure from the current "norm" as he demonstrates you can be still be scary tough and beautifully sculpted minus the ink.

Just my humble opinion and I am aware that it sounds completely old fashioned.

Like what you want. Just don't be calling your opinion 'humble'. Be proud of it.

It's not just the BB world where I live that's covered in tats...that's what I'm saying.
Tats are everywhere....art that saves paper...Environmental friendly art, in other words.
We don't want to use trees for that kind of sh*t.

[altoncwell]

Like what you want. Just don't be calling your opinion 'humble'. Be proud of it.

It's not just the BB world where I live that's covered in tats...that's what I'm saying.
Tats are everywhere....art that saves paper...Environmental friendly art, in other words.
We don't want to use trees for that kind of sh*t.

Pride goeth before the fall. Humility means staying right sized, and i know i am far from perfect, and therefore should tread lightly with my opinions.

I live in this world so i know that most people 45 and under have them now (including most of my friends). It is not my intent to hurt anyone's feelings. I just found his lack of tats very counter to the norm, and therefore very old fashioned. I think what he said last night sheds a lot of light on the topic.

After [the USM game], someone asked Johnson if he's ever intimidated.

"Intimidated?" he said. "Only by the man upstairs and my mom."

Laugh out loud, it looks like Geron is afraid his mom will put an old-fashioned "knot on his head" if he is not careful.

I have to say after seeing that quote I like him now even more than ever.

[snowtiger]

Well, I am just trying to tread lightly as I honestly know most people 45 and under have them now and it is not my intent to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm just found his lack of tats very counter to the norm, and therefore very old fashioned. I think what he said last night sheds a lot of light on the topic.

I also like what GJ says...he's very refreshing.

He may go out and tat himself at any moment though...ya nevah know...lol

[altoncwell]

I also like what GJ says...he's very refreshing.

He may go out and tat himself at any moment though...ya nevah know...lol

Oh don't I know it! God only knows what will happen once he gets paid in the NBA. He may end up with more tats than LeBron James.

Of course, I have to say that I will still love him and root for even if he does.