Five Questions: Marcus Johnson Jr.

LITTLE ROCK – Marcus Johnson Jr. experienced one of the most successful first-year seasons in program history. After transferring to Little Rock following an All-America tenure at Hill College, Johnson earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors while helping the Trojans advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Johnson averaged 12.5 points and led the Sun Belt Conference in 3-point shooting (.466) as a junior. He ranked 11^th in the league in field goal percentage (.473) while his 75 made 3-pointers led the Trojans and ranked fifth in the conference.
The Charlotte, N.C., product scored in double figures 20 times on the season and in just his second game as a Trojan, scored a season-high 30 points on 11-of-13 shooting vs. Centenary.

Where does the nickname "Gee" come from exactly?

It came from my grandmother. She actually didn't want to call me Marcus because that was also my dad's name, so she gave me the name "Gee-Baby." As I got older, she took the "baby" off and I was just known as "Gee."

What do you like to do off the court?

I really love to play video games. I could play all day. Sometimes it can get me into trouble if I stay up real late and have practice in the morning. I like to hang out with the team, too, and go bowling.

What do you do before a game to get hyped up?

For me it starts the day before the game, getting mentally prepared. The day of the game I start blasting my music that morning; my roommate probably hates me, but it's what I need to do to get my head in the game and get ready. I keep my headphones on once I get to the gym and it's closer to game time.

Who or what is your greatest inspiration?

My mom – she's a strong lady. I want to do anything I can do to help her, along with the rest of my family. She has always pushed me to do my best.

Twenty, thirty years from now, which moment will stand out the most from last season?

The NCAA Tournament game against Purdue; I'll never forget that. I even got a tattoo because of it! I'll also never forget watching Josh hit that shot. It wasn't me, but it was my teammate and I'll never forget that.