MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU junior guard Kobe Johnson recorded career highs in points, rebounds and assists in the Mountaineers’ win over Jacksonville State on Tuesday. Johnson had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists on 41% shooting.
“That means a lot to me,” Johnson said following the game. “I’ve been putting in a lot of work and have been through a lot within the school so this feels real good to me. These guys trust in me.”
West Virginia has been in need of Johnson to step up as starting guard Kerr Kriisa is serving his nine-game suspension. Johnson remained at West Virginia despite the coaching change between Bob Huggins and Josh Eilert. After WVU’s bad loss to Monmouth last Friday, the team needed new energy and that came right from Johnson on Tuesday.
“I think we were pushing the pace at an extremely high level and that’s all Kobe Johnson,” WVU F Quinn Slazinski said. “When he pushes the pace, we want him in transition, we want him making plays. As you saw tonight, just an unbelievable finisher.”
This marks the third straight game that Johnson has eclipsed his career high in points. The Canton, Ohio native will look to continue to step up as the team waits for Kriisa’s return. And even after that, Johnson’s depth to this team could go a long way.
“Those are good decisions to have to make,” Eilert said on Tuesday. “We’re getting him great experience.”
Johnson is averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists through three games into the season.
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