Tyler Johnson lauded by Fresno State Coach Rodney Terry

Former St. Francis High backcourter Tyler Johnson is entering his senior season as a Bulldog and Coach Rodney Terry offered this about his veteran:

...We get a chance to slide Tyler over to the two and Tyler sometimes may play the three, too. Last year we had to play him at the three a lot and we’d like to get him back to his natural position at the two and give him opportunities to score the basketball and hopefully get us some second-chance opportunities on the glass as well. Being a senior, we look for his leadership this year and really to go out having the best year that he can have and the better of the years he’s had here...

...Do you have that player, that Derek Carr type?

I think Tyler Johnson is one of those guys. I think Tyler Johnson is a guy who has been in those situations over the past two years and played significant minutes to be one of those guys to say, ‘Hey, I can accept that role. I can be one of those guys that not only leads by example,’ but also goes to his guys and says, ‘Hey, guys, we got this. We’ve been here and we’re going to execute and we’re going to get this done.’

You’re talking about a guy who has had opportunities to win games with shots, much like Carr, who has gone through some failure in order to have some success.

That’s a big deal, and I use him as an example. He’s a great example and we have him right here on our campus, and what he’s doing and how he’s doing it, he’s a great example for those guys. He’s the hardest-working player. He’s their leader. He’s a big heartbeat.

I like to think Tyler Johnson, who has been in those types of situations, can be that kind of guy for us...