Wes Johnson Is New At This

by Sean Keeley on Mar 16, 2010 3:58 PM EDT

This whole "going to the NCAA Tournament" thing, that is.

In the two years Wes Johnson spent at Iowa State before transferring to Syracuse University, the NCAA Tournament was just a dream. The Cyclones went 15-16 in his freshman year and followed that with a 14-18 mark in 2007-08.

Because he was ineligible to play last season, Johnson did not travel with the team to Syracuse’s NCAA Tournament games against Stephen F. Austin and Arizona State in Miami or against Oklahoma in Memphis.

Not bad for a guy who went unnoticed in high school and almost spent his formative years unmemorably leading the unmemorable Iowa State Cyclones to another unmemorable season.

Wes has had his share of health-issues lately, including a nasty cut along his eyelid. But the quiet, smiling All-American and Big East Player of the Year has the best attitude possibly.

"I’m healthy at the right time. When it all counts. Right now," Johnson said. "Unfortunately, my eye’s ugly, but other than that, my body’s fine."

"I just wanted to go where I could play in one," Johnson said. "I’m just anxious to see how it goes. I’m just going to jump right in and see what happens."

That's our Wes. Speaking of the aw-shucks stylings of Mr. Johnson, he was on the Dan Patrick Show this morning. Dan asked Wes, as only Dan can, what Wes' reaction was the first time he met Julie Boeheim.

"I was like, 'Wow,'" Johnson said, before chuckling. "I was like, 'Go ahead, coach.'"

Some other Cuse Tourney-related tidbits below...

Vermont basketball team talks about facing Syracuse's zone...Trish LaMonte

Big contingent of Syracuse, West Virginia fans expected...Buffalo News

ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi previews the Syracuse Orange...ESPN

Johnson and Rautins Named to NABC All-District Team...SUAthletics

Syracuse-Vermont Notes...D.O. Sports Blog

CBSSports.com previews SU vs. Vermont

Garden Fresh Beats ft BQueezy present...Go Cuse! (Shut it Down)

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I am going to miss Wes Johnson.

I wish we could have him for another year, if only because he seems to be having so much fun.

Go Tartans!

by voteprime on Mar 16, 2010 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

I just wanted to go where I could play in one

ONE??…why not come back and go to TWO

just sayin is all

by ShawDeuce22 on Mar 16, 2010 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

Loved the Wes segment on the DP show

Everyone should listen to it. Wes is such a class act and I’m glad Syracuse had the privilege of having him play for us. A guy with his skill set, unselfishness, and class doesn’t come around often.

by crouton on Mar 16, 2010 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

Hey Sean

Thanks for posting this song on your site. I’ve been working on it for awhile, actually started it two days after the Georgetown game with the idea of releasing it before the tournament. So I appreciate the repost

by BQueezy on Mar 16, 2010 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Just listened to Wes on the DP show

I’ve got to say that I’ll really miss him. Not only is the kid a great ball player but he just emits such positivity and class. You can’t help but hope he’ll be successful in whatever he does.

Ooo yea that's hot.

by Scoopette on Mar 16, 2010 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs