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UNC Basketball: Cameron Johnson finding success in Phoenix

By Blake Cockrum

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 11: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 11, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images )
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 11: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 11, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images ) /
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Former UNC basketball standout Cameron Johnson playing well in his rookie season with Phoenix Suns

Former University of North Carolina standout Cameron Johnson is showing people exactly why the Phoenix Suns spent the No. 11 pick in the 2019 draft on him. The 23-year-old wing that spent the first two-plus years of his college career at the University of Pittsburgh has been one of the most promising young players of his class over the first two months of the NBA season.

Johnson is currently 21st in the league in three-point shooting percentage at 41.5. That makes him tops among first-year players, and ahead of many of the game’s most renown long-range shooters. And it’s not for lack of usage or attempts, as Johnson is logging 21 minutes per game putting up nearly five three-pointers a night. Of those three-pointers, he’s connecting on 50 percent from the corners, a remarkable number for any player, let alone a rookie.

Johnson had another terrific performance off the Suns bench on Monday night when he played 18 minutes, and hit all three of his field goal attempts — three three-pointers. That brings his total to 61 three-pointers made on the season, and at least one in each of his past 13 games. Johnson’s made at least three shots from beyond the arc in 12 of his 30 games this season, and on three occasions he’s made four.

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1210792008085733377

Johnson is quickly becoming an important part of a young, but talented Phoenix roster that includes a dozen players age 25 or younger. With players like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and a host of young shooters and big men, Johnson fits in well with the Suns’ future plans.

Not only does he score points at an ultra-efficient clip, but his ability to shoot from long-range helps the Phoenix offense create space and eliminate double-teams. Johnson’s continued progression as a shooter, and great length as a defender, makes him a valuable asset for the organization moving forward. Don’t be surprised if his minutes and role on the team continue to increase.

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