Sweet 16: Syracuse's Wesley Johnson a 'glue guy'

SALT LAKE CITY — There is plenty of buzz about Syracuse's big man, senior Arinze Onuaku and his injured quadricep. His damaged muscle even has its own Twitter account. ("AOQuadricep" for those who want to follow along.)

But the Orange's other slightly-less-big man, 6-7 junior Wesley Johnson, and his formerly injured hand should be getting just as much attention.

Hurt to the point of making it difficult to shoot, difficult to practice and even difficult to tuck in his shirt, the hand seems fine now.

In fact it seems more than OK after he torched Gonzaga for a career best 31 points and 14 rebounds in the 87-65 win that pushed Syracuse to Salt Lake City and the Sweet 16. He has been solid all year, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds but it has been his ability to do whatever is needed that has made him one of the top players in the nation.

Back in January he described himself as the "glue guy" who fills in the gaps as he prophetically told The Post-Standard that his best scoring days might be ahead of him.

"Against Seton Hall, we needed rebounds so I rebounded (19 boards). Against North Carolina we needed scoring so I scored (25 points). When the time is right, I'll step up. That's how I was raised and that's how I am."

What Syracuse may need from him Thursday is another 40-minute performance like the one he turned in against Gonzaga with the Orange thin on big men.

Rick Jackson, part of the forward rotation all season, now spends a lot of time at center which is a challenge for Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.

"The problem with Ricky playing center 30 minutes, then he's not available for the forward spot. It makes Wes and Kris (Joseph) have to play big minutes. That's the position that would concern me in terms of foul trouble."

Despite being asked about the pressure by the media, Johnson claims he just isn't approaching things any differently.

"I think the pressure we put on ourselves is to go out and play 'Cuse basketball day in and day out. We are just playing basketball. That is what we grew up doing, just trying to win basketball games."

Against Butler, Johnson is focused on rebounding.

"Rebounding is always important but tomorrow I think it will be one of the key points. I think with our athleticism and our length we can hurt them on the rebound," he said.