It doesn't happen every year that players who played on the same team in the NCAA then end up on the same team in the NBA. That's the case in Miami this summer, with the arrivals of Pelle Larsson And Keshad Johnsonwhich are part of the Heat's small summer touch-ups.
The first was drafted in the second round, 44th overall, and signed a three-year contract, and the second arrived in Florida via a two-way contract.
Both were Arizona Wildcats players last season, with guard/forward Pelle Larsson averaging 12.9 points, while forward Keshad Johnson averaged 11.2 points.
Future Heat Soldiers
“What makes them interesting players is, I think, they're both ready to become great complementary players,” assures their former coachin Arizona, Tommy Lloyd. “100% of their focus will be on contributing to the team's success. They're not thinking about shooting first and then asking questions. They're going to put in the effort on both ends. On offense, they're going to play their role and follow instructions. On defense, they're going to give it their all.”
With his 42.6% 3-point shooting last season, Pelle Larsson will probably have a card to play for the Heat, even if he has to force himself sometimes and not hesitate to draw. But not only for Tommy Lloyd.
“I think he will be a versatile player,” announces his coach in Arizona. “If he’s being aggressively followed by 3-point defenses, he’s being squeezed in tight, then he’ll make the play for someone else. I think he can do it. If he has space, he’s got the physicality to go to the rim and finish despite the contact. I see him as a player who can make the right choice possession after possession. I don’t put any limits on Pelle, it’s up to him and his coaches to set things up. If they want him to shoot 10 three-pointers a game, he can do it.”
And in defense? “You'll be surprised by his physique and his athleticism. He's going to take this area seriously. He has great potential to defend multiple positions.”says Tommy Lloyd.
A very beneficial bonus year for Keshad Johnson
An athletic dimension that Keshad Johnson does not lack. He is “only” 1m98 tall but has a 2m08 wingspan and 1m07 dry jump, measured during the Draft Combine. For his former coach, his fifth year in the NCAA, after four at San Diego State, was beneficial for him to progress.
“His efforts, his energy, his athletic qualities allowed him to fight, to find a role. His role became more and more important but his qualities had not exploded. So doing one more year at university allowed him to find his place, to have a chance to reinvent himself.”he analyzes.
The proof is in numbers: he shot 38% from 3-point range last season, while he had been shooting less than 25% since the start of his college career.
“It's to his credit. We didn't know if he was going to shoot well or not. Watching him work, we thought there was promise. But as the season went on, he became more and more comfortable.”explains Tommy Lloyd. “I think he can become a good 3-point shooter. He's also a huge athlete, who can have an impact on rebounding, in transition and on defense.”
