Call it better basketball through athleticism.
Johnson C. Smith coach Steve Joyner brought in players who can run and defend, and the result is two resounding wins to start the season. The Golden Bulls are stacked with mid-size players who have done both in lopsided wins against Lincoln (Pa.) and Bluefield State (W.Va.)
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| PHOTO/CALVIN FERGUSON |
| The addition of athletic players like forward James Dillard had Johnson C. Smith off to a 2-0 start going into Saturday's game at Augusta State (Ga.). |
"We have more of them this year than we had probably the last two years," Joyner said. "We think we're athletic, we think we can get up and down the court."
In the CIAA, where athleticism and guard play wins championships, Smith is off to a good start with both. The Bulls aren't physically imposing - backup center David Sanders is the tallest player at 6-8, 250 pounds - but they're sharing the ball. Against Bluefield State, five Bulls scored in double figures.
"We probably have so many different ways we can score on offense that I'm asking them to share the basketball," Joyner said. "I think they're beginning to do that more and more and more, but I think there's certainly room for improvement and we're certainly asking them for that."
Smith is capable of getting to the basket either by driving or on the blocks. Forward Jerry Hollis, a graduate of Charlotte's Victory Christian, went 8-for-8 for 18 points against Bluefield State and Sanders has two double-figure games coming off the bench.
"We were weak (inside) last year," Joyner said. "I think Dave Sanders in a reserve role is helping him. He can see what's going on out there and pick and choose his spots. I'm real pleased with our inside play right now, but we certainly have to get better. We're going to see some bigger opponents, some better opponents inside, certainly starting with Augusta State on Saturday night."
Defensive is where Joyner hopes the physical upgrade will help most. Lincoln managed to hit only 25.7 percent of its shots against the Bulls in the season opener; Bluefield made 40.7 percent in the second half when Smith pulled away for an 83-66 win Tuesday. The Bulls haven't been as consistent as Joyner would like, but he likes the early results.
"Certainly we want to be more decisive on defense about what we're doing," Joyner said. "We haven't gotten there yet, so that's a maturity factor as we grow as the season goes along."
