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Bearcats' Johnson to turn pro
Posted: Thursday March 30, 2000 03:38 AM
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Freshman DerMarr Johnson has decided to leave the University of Cincinnati to enter the NBA draft, but Bearcats coach Bob Huggins says the team will be OK. "We're always OK," Huggins said Wednesday. "We'll go get some guys and be fine. We've lost a lot before. You go get some more guys, you get the ones you have better and then you go play." Johnson, a 6-foot-9 shooting guard, averaged 12.6 points for the Bearcats and was named Conference USA freshman of the year. "This was really a hard decision because the people at Cincinnati have been so good to me," Johnson said. "In talking things over with my family, I realized that this was something I needed to do for them. "Playing in the NBA is something I've wanted to do for the last three years. My year at Cincinnati has prepared me to take this step." Huggins said he had a long talk with Johnson about his options and he understands and supports Johnson's decisions. "It was great to have DerMarr in our program, both as a player and as a person, if only for one year,"said Huggins. Huggins said he is not certain who will take Johnson's position, although there are a few candidates already on the roster and a few more UC is recruiting. UC is starting its reconstruction for next season with some talented players. Point guard Kenny Satterfield should rank among the best at his position next season. He led Conference USA in assists as a freshman. The only other player with substantial experience is guard Steve Logan, who has scored 618 points in two seasons with the Bearcats. He will continue to spell Satterfield at point, but will also compete with Leonard Stokes and a likely junior-college recruit for the chance to replace Johnson.
UC is one of the final two schools being considered by 6-4 Monte Cummings of Southeastern Iowa and 6-4 Immanuel McElroy of Tyler Junior College.
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