Johnsen does have an edge over a typical journeyman on the NBA fringe, simply because he made it to this level once before.

He spent 20 games with the Magic in the 2003-04 season, averaging 2.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Johnsen then appeared in six games for the Pacers the following year, averaging 2.0 points and 1.7 rebounds before being released.

Since that time, he has moved from one international team to another. Following his last NBA game in December 2004, Johnsen has enjoyed stints with teams in Spain, France and Turkey. His best season came with Etosa Alicante in the Spanish League, where he averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds while appearing in 19 games.

Johnsen's international career was slowed by shoulder surgery that sidelined him for eight months. When he joined the Utah Flash for a brief stint a year ago, Johnsen was still dealing with some rustiness from his long layoff.

Flash coach Brad Jones said the difference between what he saw from Johnsen during his eight-game stint in Orem and where he's at now is significant.

"He's a totally different guy," Jones said. "His confidence level is super high. His rhythm is back."

Jones said Johnsen is someone who could make a contribution in the NBA again if he lands with the right team and right situation. Certainly, it would be a dream come true for Johnsen if he successfully made a comeback to the league he left more than three seasons ago.

But he would be just as happy to move up another echelon at the international level. And it's something he hopes will occur once the Rocky Mountain Revue comes to a close.

"If I could have a perfect world, I'd love to play here with the Jazz," Johnsen said. "But I understand spots are limited. I'm doing this so I can get more exposure for other teams and, hopefully, get some more exposure for overseas."

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E-mail: jcoon@desnews.com