When Kedren Johnson joined the University of Memphis men’s basketball team in the 2014, the Vanderbilt transfer was thought to be pivotal to future Tiger basketball success.
Whether it was Johnson being out of shape or being affected injuries, his Memphis career, apart from a brief stretch at the end of the 2014-15 season, has left a lot to be desired.
However, Johnson’s performance against Tulsa on Senior Day gave a glimpse of what was possible had things gone a little better for the senior point guard from Lewisburg, Tennessee.
He scored a season high 10 points in 17 minutes and helped lead Memphis to a vital win against the Golden Hurricane, 92-82, at FedExForum Sunday afternoon with an announced turnstile crowd of 9,377. It was just Johnson’s ninth appearance of the season, and he had only played 62 minutes in the previous 28 games.
Tigers’ coach Josh Pastner, who had long been against the tradition of starting seniors on Senior Day because they’re seniors, said after seeing Johnson’s “phenomenal” practice Saturday he had a gut feeling to go with him.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to start the seniors,” said Pastner, who for the fourth time this season avoided his first three-game losing streak in his coaching career. “I’ve never done that in my time. I did it this time. I thought Kedren (Johnson) was excellent. He helped us get off to a great start. He’s probably a little rusty, but he helped us win the game. There’s no doubt about that.”
Johnson accounted for eight of Memphis’ first 14 points, which saw the Tigers jump to an early double-digit lead over the Golden Hurricane. In a season that has gone off the rails, an unlikely contribution from Johnson was surprising to say the least. His performance also helped the Tigers snap a two-game losing streak.
Although Johnson said the best part about Sunday was having his family in attendance. Johnson along with fellow seniors Shaq Goodwin, Trahson Burrell, Ricky Tarrant Jr. and walk-on Caleb Wallingford were all honored pregame on Senior Day.
“Other than that, it was just being out there with my friends and brothers and having a great time out there,” said Johnson, who did have five turnovers to just one assist in the win.
While Johnson wasn’t certain he would have a good game on Senior Day, the former All-SEC point guard said he was prepared.
“That’s a hard question to answer,” Johnson said. “I would say that I prepared a little bit mentally when coach (Pastner) told me I needed to be ready.”
Whether it’s a one off performance from Johnson on Senior Day or not is something the Tigers won’t know until Thursday at the earliest when Memphis resumes American Athletic Conference Play at Temple in Philadelphia. For one day, however, Johnson showed he’s still got something left in the tank.
Kedren Johnson scoring two of his season high 10 points in Memphis' win over Tulsa Sunday. The senior also logged in 17 minutes.
