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Years ago
Wildcats sign Jaron Johnson
From members email:
Perth Wildcats sign American Jaron Johnson
Perth Wildcats fans can prepare for an aerial assault this season, with the signing of high-flyer Jaron Johnson.
The highly athletic American will join Casey Prather on the wings in 2016/17, after agreeing to a one-year deal with the reigning NBL Champions.
Johnson is shooting guard who stands at 198cm and weighs 93kg.
His wingspan is 203cm and his maximum vertical leap an incredible 95cm.
He's ready to rock Perth Arena.
"I’m very excited and thankful for the opportunity to be heading down under to play basketball," said Johnson.
“I know the Perth Wildcats are a championship organisation and I want to be a part of that success.
“I think I’ll be able to bring some highlights on the offensive end, but on defence I’ll be working hard, doing whatever it takes for my new teammates.”
Jaron Johnson has spent two years playing in the NBA Development League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, averaging 16.7 points per game at 45.5 per cent from the field.
The 24-year-old is an offensive threat from deep, making just under 40 per cent of three-pointers attempted.
He also pulls down 4.9 rebounds per game and gives off 2.4 assists.
Most recently, he played for both the Indiana Pacers and the NBA D-League Select team at the NBA Summer League.
He played eight games throughout the tournaments, including a 17-point, 8-rebound effort in just 21 minutes of court time against the Houston Rockets.
“He’s exciting. He’s athletic and extremely aggressive - which I really loved with watching him play.”
Perth Wildcats assistant coach Matt Nielsen watched him play at the NBA Summer League this month.
“He also shoots the ball very well, he makes good decisions, he’s good with the ball in his hand. I was impressed with his shooting, especially when you see someone so athletic, you usually have lesser expectations, but he shoots the ball really well,” said Nielsen.
“I’m expecting he and Casey (Prather) to compliment each other. They’re both going to get their opportunities to create for themselves, each other and for the team. Their length and speed is going to cause match-up problems for a lot of people.
“We’ll definitely have some highlight reels, that’s for sure.”
Jaron Johnson attended Louisiana Tech, where in his senior season he had 18 starts, averaging 9.1 points per game.
His hometown is Tyler in Texas, where he attended John Tyler High School.
Johnson becomes the second import player signed to the Perth Wildcats 2016/17 roster.
The Wildcats have three vacant roster positions to fill prior the season commencing in October.
