Meechie Johnson praises competitive battles with Ta'lon Cooper in practice
Meechie Johnson got some company in the Gamecocks’ backcourt this offseason with the addition of veteran guard and South Carolina native Ta’lon Cooper, who joined the program via the transfer portal.
In an appearance on The Garnet Trust Hour on 107.5 The Game last week, Johnson praised his new teammate for the competitive edge he has brought to the roster this summer.
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“We’ve been going against each other every single day and we’re competing,” Johnson said. “I mean, we’re competing. We’re not friends, like no, it’s serious, serious. And I love it because it shows that we can have something special. Because I know that when we go into these games, I know what I’m going to expect from him and I know what he’s going to expect from me. And if I’m not getting that from him and he’s not getting that from me, we’re able to hold each other accountable. So it’s great, man. Having a guy that is a vet knows the game, and is going to hold you accountable when it comes to it.”
Cooper, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound point guard, averaged 9.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game during his one season with Minnesota. The Dorman graduate shot 39.5 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three last season.
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“I love it because now you’re playing with a guy who’s been to the tournament as well, played the point guard, has a great assist-to-turnover ratio, and knows the game,” Johnson said. “And is also a leader, a lead guard. When you look at that in college basketball, some of the best teams have two vet guards that know how to play basketball. And that’s what we have, adding Colby and Miles to that, it’s special. I think it will be special.”
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In his first year with South Carolina, Johnson started 29 of 30 games and was second on the team with 12.7 points per game and a team-high 3.7 assists per game.
Johnson went through the NBA Draft process this offseason but announced in May that he was returning to the team.
