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)