Marquette Basketball: Analyzing newcomers for 2019-20

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Steve Wojciechowski directs his players during the first half of the game against Kansas Jayhawks during the NIT Season Tip-Off tournament at Barclays Center on November 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 20: Johnson #34 of Utah fights. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

SR – Jayce Johnson – Utah

C | 7-foot-0 | 235 lbs | Grad transfer

One of the better grad transfer bigs on the market this offseason, Jayce Johnson is a solid addition for Marquette’s roster during this coming season. Even though the Golden Eagles already have their center spot locked down by Theo John, this move makes sense with regards to adding another back-up option. Ed Morrow is also still a member of the frontcourt but the team has minutes available for all three following the departure of the Hauser Brothers.

As a player, Johnson is not a tremendous scorer but does a lot of things well as a big man. He swats shots at a relatively high rate and uses his 7-foot frame well to consistent snag rebounds. During this past season for the Utah Utes, he averaged 7.1 points (59.7% FG), 7.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He does commit a fair amount of fouls but his production as a rebounder and rim-protector offsets that.

With the addition of Johnson, the Golden Eagles will have four seniors on the roster this year, leaving open plenty of scholarships for what could be a special 2020 class. With regards to his impact on the court, Johnson projects as a solid reserve option at the center position with the ability to step in for multiple starts if an injury occurs.

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