Meechie Johnson knows he'll turn his play around: 'It'll come when it come'
Meechie Johnson doesn’t shy away from it. He knows better than anyone that his play hasn’t been where he knows it can be.
Over the last two games, Johnson, the Gamecocks’ leading scorer, has only scored three points on 1-of-17 shooting. It’s been a far cry from the rapid pace he was scoring at the start of the season.
But like all good players, he knows he’s just in a funk. The shots he’s missing now will start to go in eventually. What he can do now is continue to keep working and figure out where it has gone wrong.
“I’ve had slumps in the past and been in a position like this before. So it’s really nothing new for me to go back out there and just keep being who my teammates know I am,” Johnson said.
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“You definitely look into some things as far as why am I missing these shots? I’m getting some good looks so why am I missing these shots? But really just repping it out, getting back to the basic fundamentals of my shot. A lot more form shooting and things like that to keep me going. But again, it’s not all about scoring. I can do so many other things to help my team win. Definitely feel once that gets going, it’s going to get really uglier for opponents.”
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In spite of scoring much lately, Johnson has found other ways to be productive. In Tuesday’s win over No. 5 Tennessee, he had six rebounds, six assists and two steals. While he might not have done much in terms of putting points on the board, there’s no doubt he’s still been a good contributor.
“That’s what makes good players, to be able to do something else and contribute to your team,” he said. “I’m more than just a scorer. I can be on the ball and I can read play making, give my teammates good shots. Doing things like that and being able to come out victorious is a great plus for me.”
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During this tough stretch, Johnson has received words of encouragement from family and friends who tell him to keep going. He even had the chance to chat with NBA veteran CJ McCollum, who has a good idea of what the South Carolina guard is going through.
“We spoke a little bit and he texted me to keep going, keep putting in the work, stay humble and hungry,” Johnson said. “Pushing me to stay in the gym, stay confident. Still in a great position, the team is winning and we’re still doing great things. I’m not letting the last couple games affect my shooting or scoring. I averaged 17 or 18 points in the first 17-18 games, so I know I can score. It’ll come when it come.”
