UNC Big Man Brice Johnson Upping Aggression Ante

UNC men’s basketball junior forward Brice Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance for the Tar Heels in his first two seasons, but in year three, Johnson is hoping to answer head coach Roy Williams’ call and become a ‘big-time player’.

“I’ve said this so many times I’m already sick of hearing it myself – one or two or three of those guys needs to step up and say,’ I’m going to be a big-time player.’ I don’t think there’s any question that Marcus [Paige] stepped up last year and said, ‘I’m going to be a big-time player.’ Now, one of the post players has got to step up and not just be willing to run up and down the court and wait on Marcus to do something,” Coach Williams says.

One of those players with a realistic shot of taking his place next to Paige in a leading role is no doubt Brice Johnson.

Last season, Johnson was a high-quality sixth man, coming off the bench with vigor, often adding a much needed emotional boost to the Tar Heel lineup in crucial moments.

But in his junior campaign, Coach Williams will need Johnson to become a dominant force in the starting lineup. Johnson’s put in the time in the weight room. He’s bulked up in the offseason, adding 15-20 pounds of muscle in an effort to bruise with the best of them in the ACC.

Johnson says preseason practices have taken on a more aggressive tenor this season.

“Everybody’s a lot more aggressive than they were last year. We are really aggressive now. Coach really needs someone to step up. That’s the biggest emphasis he has on offense. He wants to get it inside the post so we can open up shots for Marcus, J.P. [Tokoto], Theo [Pinson], Joel [Berry], Justin [Jackson] and all the perimeter guys. We have to be very aggressive in the post and score something,” Johnson says.

Who would Coach Williams like to see become that consistent enforcer around the rim? The Hall of Famer says Johnson has the most experience, but he’s not playing favorites.

“I’d love it to be all of them. I don’t have any favorites as to who it is. Brice has played more and has more experience. He really did a nice job in the offseason. He looks different. Now he’s got to take that weight and do something with it. Somebody’s got to step forward, separate and say, ‘I’m the guy,’’ Coach Williams says.

It remains to be seen whether 6’ 9” exercise and sport science major will be ‘the guy’ that Coach Williams is referring to, but he certainly has bountiful potential.

Johnson is the top returning rebounder from last season and also led the team in blocks. What’s more, the silky smooth shooter led UNC in field goal percentage.

But Johnson isn’t satisfied. He says he wants to follow his teammate’s lead, Paige that is, and record a breakout season that will have everybody in the college basketball world turning their heads.

“I really do. I just have to work a little harder. You can always work a little harder with whatever you’re doing. I could be that person. I have to be able to go out there and show it,” Johnson says.

Johnson will have his first opportunity to put his improved game on display Friday night in the Smith Center, when the Tar Heels tip off their regular season at 8 p.m. against the N.C. Central Eagles.