Experienced American sharpshooter Donovan Johnson has completed a move to the Manchester Giants, further strengthening the side for the 2020-21 British Basketball League season.
It's looking like it will be an exciting season in the Giants' first year at the National Basketball Performance Centre, and the addition of Johnson will only make the Giants a more attractive team to watch.
The 28-year-old forward from Shelbyville, Kentucky, has joined after a five-year stint in South America, where he established himself as not just a defensive unit, but also a reliable three-point shooter too, shooting 41% from behind the arc over his career.
From Kentucky to South America
The 6'6" forward began his college basketball career at Wabash Valley College and enjoyed a two-year stint there as a starter where the team won 78% of their games and reached the NJCAA National Championship last eight, with Johnson averaging nine points and six rebounds per game.
After Wabash Valley, Johnson moved to play college ball with the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers, who are eight-time national champions.
Competing in the NCAA Division 2, Johnson averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game in his senior season, leading the team to the Conference Tournament Final in 2013-14.
After graduating from college, the 28-year-old enjoyed a five-year stint in South America, which included a title-winning season in Paraguay with Olimpia de Asuncion as Johnson scored 20 points to lead all scorers in the Playoff Championship game.
The following season, the forward moved to Chile to play for AB Ancud where he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds.
At his last team, Ameghino de Villa Maria, Argentina, the forward averaged 12 points and five rebounds, shooting 48% three-pointers, 57% inside, and 85% at the free-throw line.
Johnson a 'unique' fit in the Giants side
Giants Head Coach Danny Byrne spoke to the club website of how Johnson will really add to his team this season:
“Donovan brings a really unique mix of attributes to the team. He is an elite defender, with length, great foot speed, and intensity; and he tends to guard the opposition’s best player almost without exception and regardless of size.
“He is a great shooter and good decision-maker, efficient offensively, and doesn’t need to see much of the ball to get points on the board.
“On top of that, he brings a great deal of experience from a number of rugged South American leagues.
"With his experience and character, I expect him to be a glue-guy for this group.
"He’s really well poised to make an impact at both ends of the floor in the BBL this season.”