by Arielle Andres
Senior Omar Johnson has emerged as one of the top guards in the Southland Conference in his career with UTSA. The Philadelphia native is averaging 10.6 points per game and has recorded 35 assists, 23 rebounds and seven steals through the first nine contests, helping the Roadrunners to one of the best starts in school history. Johnson, a second-team Preseason All-Southland Conference selection, has tallied 486 points, which ranks 49th all-time at UTSA, and is considered one of the most reliable Roadrunners on this year’s roster. Johnson took a brief break from studying for finals to visit with goUTSA.com about what’s on his mind before a game and what he expects of his team this season.
Coming from Philly, what is your favorite part about home?
“My favorite part about Philly is of course the Philly Cheesesteak. I usually eat mine with American cheese on it. I also like going to the summer league games. I used to play ball a lot out on the playgrounds. The atmosphere is totally different than college ball, though. “
You come from a high school that is rich in basketball history, how does now playing basketball at the D1 level make you feel?
“It definitely makes me feel good coming out of my high school and playing D1 college ball. I mean, we had players that went to the NBA and overseas, and a lot of us go on to play college ball. So for me to make it this far I think it’s a good reflection of my high school’s tradition.”
Which athlete do you compare your style of play after, or who do you look up to?
“I don’t try to pattern my game after any particular athlete. I just strive to be an overall balanced guard. I like to work on a lot of different parts to make myself a better all around player. As far as who I look up to, I would have to go with Allen Iverson. He has a strong will to win and goes out every game with his heart out there. That’s what I try to do here at UTSA. Not just on the court, but also in my life. I just like to go out there and play my hardest, and do whatever it is I need to do to win.”
Since you are a senior now, are you looking at making basketball your profession, or are you going pro in something else?
“Well, since I am a student-athlete, my main goal here is my education. So, I am going to get my degree in the spring in psychology. Then I’m going to see what opportunities I have to play basketball professionally, either here or overseas. I just don’t want to end it here. I’ve been working my whole life to play pro ball, so hopefully things work out for me. If not, I’ll go back to school to keep studying psychology.”
What is the best part about being on this year’s team?
“The best part about this year’s team compared to last year is we are carrying a lot of veterans over from last year. We have all been through a season together, with the exception of Melvin, Stephen and Larry. That’s good because during the games that we’ve played so far this year, everyone’s mindset is the same. We had a lot more newcomers last year, so it took longer for us to sync up. This year we have a lot of experience and everyone is on the same page for that one goal to go back and win the conference championship.“
This team went 6-1 to start off the season, which is the best start in the last 21 years. As a team leader, how does that make you feel?
“I think it’s good not just for myself, but for my teammates, the coaching staff and even alumni, too. Twenty-one years from now when we look back, we can say we did that, but we are going to want someone else to do even better than what we did. It’s just great to become a part of history here at UTSA. It’s going to be here forever now.”
Although the team is doing well right now, there is always room for improvement. What areas can we expect the team — and you personally — to sharpen up?
“As far as the team goes, we are doing well right now. The main difference between good teams and great teams is that a good team will get satisfied and a great team will work even harder and always want more. Right now, I’d say we are a good team, but we want to separate ourselves to become a great team. That will come from us working hard day in and day out and never being satisfied with what we accomplish. As for me, I’m always looking for ways to get better, so I’m just going to work harder so I don’t get satisfied either.”
What’s on your mind before a game?
“Before a game, I usually just sit back in the locker room and observe what everyone’s mindset is. I like to see who is focused and who is ready to play. I’ll be pretty relaxed before a game, because my mind has already been set. But one thing that is usually on my mind before a game is food. I don’t really think about the game too much until I step back on the court. So I just sit back and think about food.”
What’s next for you after this season?
“Graduation! As far as being here at UTSA, I’m going to graduate in the spring. So that’s going to be good. As far as basketball, right now I want to do whatever it takes to help my team win so we can leave something good this year. I’ll just go out and play my best every night and let whatever’s next take care of itself.”
With you being one of eight seniors on this year’s squad, what message would you like to send to the newcomers that will follow you?
“First thing I will want the newcomers to do is listen to guys like Devin, Sei, and Melvin. All these guys have been here already and they will be the ones returning so they need to go to those guys for help. In return those guys need to show the newcomers what UTSA basketball is all about. They will need to help them on and off the court. The new guys will just need to follow their leaders and try to get better every day.”
