Bandit aims for local glory

By TODD DEWEY

VIEW STAFF WRITER

Michael Johnson was one of the first players drafted by the Las Vegas Bandits. This year, the Rancho graduate was the first player to re-sign with the fledgling International Basketball League franchise.

"Michael's a hard-nosed kid and he's worked hard," said Lionel Hollins, the Bandits head coach and fellow Rancho alum. "The front office and the other coaches like him a lot and from what I saw I like him a lot, too. He's a tough guy and he's got a lot of quickness and tenacity.

"We liked him enough to sign and bring him back. He's done a good job and now he has to beat out some other people (to make the team). We're going to see who can play."

Johnson, a 6-foot point guard, played in 33 games for the Bandits in their inaugural campaign, averaging 5.6 points and 2.7 assists in 15.9 minutes of action per contest. He started two games and scored a season-high 18 points in the playoffs. He also recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists against New Mexico.

Johnson, who guided the Oklahoma Sooners to the 1999 NCAA Sweet 16, expects to contribute more to the Bandits this season.

"I was a little timid my first year coming in here. I think the summer gave me time to work on some stuff and I think this year will be a lot better," he said. "I've got a little more confidence, but there's still more to be put out on the floor. The only goal I have is to be a part of the Silver Bandits, do the best I can do and come out and try to win the championship with the team."

Johnson, who was named the Nevada prep Player of the Year his senior year at Rancho, is happy to have another chance to play for his hometown team.

"I was hoping I could re-sign with them," he said. "I come out every day and work hard. If it fell through, I would try something else, but I'm glad the Bandits gave me another opportunity to show what I can do.

"There's no guarantee, but I'm thankful they gave me an extra opportunity to sign and finish what I know I can do."

Johnson averaged 19 points and nine assists his senior year at Rancho, where he was team captain three seasons and led the Rams to a 73-10 overall record.

He excelled at Oklahoma as well, earning the team's top defensive player, leadership and co-MVP awards his senior season, when he averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and two steals per game.

Johnson, who also helped lead the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament as a junior, was one of only two Oklahoma players to start all 32 games his senior year. Johnson tied a longtime school record with 18 assists in a game against North Texas.

Johnson decided to join the Bandits, in part, to play at home.

"Coming out of Oklahoma, I didn't have too many options," the 24-year-old father of two said. "The IBL came up in Vegas and I thought, coming from being away four years, the fifth year I thought I could come home and play in front of the home crowd."

Johnson said he learned a lot last season.

"I had some veteran players in front of me and I'm still trying to learn stuff -- patience, controlling myself, trying to run the team and court awareness," he said. "From sitting down and then coming in to play, I learned a lot mentally as well."

Johnson, who worked hard in the offseason, said he has improved in several areas.

"Mainly shooting and court awareness, running the break and finding open guys," he said. "Defense has been my number one deal. That's always been there. I'm working on my offense more."

Johnson, who still keeps in touch with his old high school coach, Tony Hopkins -- now the head coach at Western -- tries to help out local kids when he can.

"If I'm up in the gym I'll talk to the kids," he said. "Or I'll help the team or do individual workouts with young kids who hope to get better."

Johnson hopes to get better himself. He'd love to play in the NBA one day.

"Hopefully I can do well, as far as making it to the NBA. If not, I'll go somewhere overseas, try to do a little better and get more experience," he said. "But the main goal is to try to make it to the NBA. I like my chances. I try to learn more every day and work harder every day."