Reader comments
Utah Jazz: Johnsen adds intelligence, solid play to squad

Britton is one of the Utes that I actually admire. Always seemed like a class act and I wish he would have played for BYU.

Best of luck to him. I hope he can land a spot.

Good Luck Britton! I've enjoyed watching you play since your days at the Sports Mall; funny how time flies!

GO UTES!!

I have always been a fan of the player, and became a fan of the man after reading the article about him in the "New Era"...he was also on the cover. I hope he catches a break in the NBA.

I saw the game with Atlanta on Saturday. Britton was a standout. Hustle, defense, offense...I thought he showed clear leadership and maturity. I hope he gets a shot somewhere.

Although a BYU fan, I was also impressed by Johnsen's efforts. He had an incredible play in the second half, dunking the ball a good couple of feet over one of Houston's tallest guys. They showed the replay several times, admiring his jumping ability even though he is considered "old". He definitely outplayed most of the guys on the team and was one of the few bright spots that I observed.

I hope that he can continue his play and someone sees what he could add to their team. Although he did well in this last game, my only concern would be his season long stamina and drive. I think this is the biggest toll on NBA players.

You've got to have respect for someone like Britton Johnson. He was always a class act on the floor, and decided to serve a mission when the whole world was calling him crazy for doing it. I hope he finds a spot for himself in the NBA.

Hmm... I didn't see a "class act" when Johnsen played with the Utah Flash. The Flash gave up a quality player to make room for him, only to have him leave after 8 games.

And while he was in Orem playing for the Flash, he seemed very full of himself as well, like he thought he was too good for them, and he was not a very willing passer.

Maybe a little journeying has taught him to appreciate things a bit more.

Come on 93 Cougar... are you kidding me? You "wish he would have played for BYU"? Are you so quick to forget about Mr. Provo himself - Mekeli Wesley??? Britton can play basketball, but he didn't make the impact Wesley did in College. And I agree with Flash Fan - the guy seems full of himself.

Johnsen didn't leave the Flash until Coach Jones told him he would be crazy not to take the offer that he had. Coach Jones said that it would have been selfish of him to ask Britton to stay instead of take the money, especially since Britton has a small child and a baby on the way.

Quick to judge, I bet I know which college team you cheer for as well.

To "Don't Forget What Else":

What in the world are you trying to say? I hope it isn't what I think it is!!! If so, it is that kind of mentality that makes it difficult to attract players to come to this fine state.

Johnson - Helped his team go to the Final Four. Wesley - ??? Where is this guy now anyway? He OBVIOUSLY was the better player.

Get him signed for Jazz! He is clearly best player for Jazz summer team. I'm afraid almond may not be able to play Jazz style basketball. Some people can't like Kris Hunphry, K Snyder etc.

His jumping ability is all the more amazing when you look at his legs. They are the skinniest of any pro basketball player this side of Manute Bol.

Wesley and Britton. That would have been a team.

It doesn't have to be one or the other...

Wow, I don't know if you recall BYU's record before Wesley got there and what it was when he left?
The season before he arrived with Roger Reid/Ingle they had a 1-25 record. Under Cleveland and during Wesley's 4 years
1997-98 9-21
1998-99 12-16
1999-2000 22-11
2000-01 24-9 and made the big dance.

I wouldn't take Britton after he said that he pretty much uses the NBA revues to get seen by foreign teams. He obviously knows where his talent level is. It is overseas, not in the NBA, and definetely not with the Jazz.

yes, i said nerds

Oh - So when you say that Britton, "helped his team", I guess you feel like his 3.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg average that season is what really got the U into the big dance that year. I hate to have to tell you this, but his bench contribution was really not a factor in their road to the NCAA Final Four in 1997-98. I think Keith Van Horn, Andre Miller, etc. were more responsible for that outcome. That same year, as a Freshman, Wesley was averaging 14+ points per game and averaging 5 rebounds per game.

Wesley might not be in the NBA, but in college, he not only made a more immediate impact, but was also what the future teams at BYU built upon.

Best of luck to Britton in his pursuit of NBA glory.

Although Keith Van Horn was a great player, he didn't have much impact on their final four season - he graduated the year before.

Wesley did a good job of standing out on lousy teams.

Johnson has said that he realizes that "NBA glory" might be out of his reach....

Please try and keep your wierd thoughts to yourself.

Please learn to spell WEIRD.