By Michael Kelley
Photo Courtesy of Athletic Communications
With the strong play of the senior leaders, and the immediate contributions provided by the freshmen, the Lafayette Men’s Basketball Team has managed without point guard Tony Johnson ‘12.
That’s not saying that they won’t be delighted in his return. Johnson, who has been out with a back injury since the third day of organized practice, will miss at least another month, but is scheduled to return for the start of Patriot League play and possibly the January 2 game against NJIT.
Johnson, a preseason pick for first-team All-Patriot League, suffered a fracture in his lower spine and has been wearing a plastic brace ever since. With a back injury that severe, recovery has been a slow process.
“I have mainly had to rest and it gets stiff constantly,” Johnson said. “I have been able to do some stretching and a few light exercises but nothing too intense.”
Johnson has still found a way to contribute. “I’ve tried to be a big supporter from the bench and help out anyway I can,” Johnson said.
Johnson averaged 8.5 points and 3.8 assists per game for the team last year but increased his level of play as the season progressed. In the three Patriot League tournament games, Johnson averaged 10.7 points and 4.7 assists.
With Johnson sidelined, Co-captain Rob Delaney ‘12 has taken over the point guard position and through seven games, has averaged 10.3 points and 2.7 assists. When Johnson returns, Delaney will move back to his most natural position at shooting guard.
Also contributing in the backcourt has been Jim Mower ‘12 and Joey Ptasinski ‘15. Mower, who recently set a school record with ten 3-pointers against Farleigh Dickinson, is currently third in the Patriot League in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. Ptasinski, a freshman from Colorado, has averaged 5.3 points per game, including nine 3-pointers.
“It’s been very frustrating having to watch from the bench, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far,” Johnson said. “When I come back, I will be able to help control the tempo and speed better, and Rob will be able to move to his natural position, making him even more dangerous.”
If all goes well, Leopard fans can expect to see Johnson after the New Year. In holiday terms, it will be a late Christmas gift. For Patriot League opponents, it will be a lump of coal.
*Key forward sitting out, too: The Leopards are playing without forward Levi Giese ’13, sidelined with an ankle injury. Giese led the team in blocks last season and was ready to take on a greater role. Lafayette’s front court has struggled thus far, and would welcome the return of the 6’9″ junior. Giese’s return date is unclear, but the forward could come back before January.*
