Jabari Smith provides update on how KD Johnson has prepared for NCAA Tournament

KD Johnson burst onto the scene for Auburn this season, and he’s getting ready for his first NCAA Tournament. Jabari Smith, who’s also preparing to dance for the first time, shared an update on how Johnson is gearing up for the big stage.

Johnson, a sophomore, played last season at Georgia and transferred to Auburn this year. Upon his arrival, he took on a big role for the Tigers, averaging 12.3 points in 32 games — including 29 starts. Now, he’s going to get big minutes in huge games as Auburn looks to make a March Madness run.

Smith said Johnson hasn’t prepared any differently ahead of the NCAA Tournament. He’s staying the course and doing he would for any other game.

“He’s going to do what he’s been doing all season,” Smith said. “[Bringing] energy, [giving] us that spark we need. In practice he’s been great. He’s been paying attention to detail, had a lot of energy. I’ve been seeing him in the gym getting shots up on his own. He’s been very locked in and very focused on bouncing back from that game, putting it behind him and just moving forward.”

Bruce Pearl on KD Johnson: ‘KD’s come a long way’

Sophomore guard K.D. Johnson has seen a tremendous amount of growth this season for Auburn. He began his collegiate career last season last year at Georgia, but is now with the Tigers and playing a large role.

Johnson came off the bench in each of his 16 games at Georgia as a freshman, averaging 13.5 points per game. This year, Johnson has been in Auburn’s starting lineup in 29 of the 32 games he’s played in, and he has posted a line of 12.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in 27.5 minutes.

Ahead of Auburn’s NCAA Tournament matchup against 15th-seeded Jacksonville State, Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl discussed Johnson’s growth, adding that his emotions on the court make him the player that he is today.

“K.D.’s come a long way,” Pearl said of Johnson’s his first season with Auburn. “He’s been fun to coach. I’d rather — here’s the deal. Dads, have you ever coached your son and after he struck out, he threw his bat and he kind of embarrassed you in front of other people because he kind of cried when he fouled out? I had one of those sons in Steven Pearl. I’ve got another one of them in K.D. Johnson. You want to know what he’s thinking? Just look at his face, all those expressions.”