Mercer Men's Basketball Player Selected for National All-Star Game

Mercer sophomore men’s basketball player Izaiah Johnson (Burlington, NJ/Burlington City HS) was selected to participate in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Rising All-Star Game which took place July 14 ^th-16 ^th at Iowa Western Community College.  This is the second year for this annual event which showcases the top 60 returning players in the NJCAA.  The NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Association was the host of the event.

Johnson enjoyed the opportunity to play with some of the best NJCAA players in the country.  ”It was a great experience for me.  It showed me where I was as a player and that I can compete at the highest level.  It was amazing to get to play in front of many NCAA Division I coaches.  I’m also very grateful to have met some great people there.” 

Johnson played in three games at the showcase for Team McKinney.  Johnson averaged 7.6 points per game and scored 12 points in his first game at the showcase.  Johnson was the only player from the Northeast selected to participate in the showcase.

Johnson discussed how competitive the showcase was.  “The games were very competitive because everyone was trying to prove something to the college coaches there.  Many players overdid it but some people did very well and ultimately it was very competitive.”

One of the main reasons Johnson attended the showcase was the chance to play in front of many college coaches and scouts.  “After playing in the showcase, a couple of Division I schools contacted me so it definitely helped me to get more exposure.”

Johnson is hoping “one more big year” can help him to reach his goal of playing NCAA Division I basketball.  “One goal I have for next season is to get a Division I offer.  I have some interest now, so I believe it’s certainly reachable.  I also hope to increase my stats in every category, win Region 19 Player of the Year and be named an NJCAA All-American. For the team, I have the goal of winning the Region Tournament and making it to the National Championship.”

Johnson averaged 18.9 points per game and started all 27 games for the Vikings in the 2022-23 season.  In addition to his scoring ability, Johnson averaged 5.3 rebounds per game, 4.3 assists per game and 2.37 steals per game.  Johnson earned 1 ^st Team All-Region 19 honors and 1 ^st Team All-GSAC (Garden State Athletic Conference) Honors.

Johnson finished in the top 50 in the nation (NJCAA Division II) in eight different categories.  Johnson was 16 ^th in steals (64), 21 ^st in total points (509), 30 ^th in games started (27), 31 ^st in three point field goals made (65), 35 ^th in points per game (18.5), assists (116) and free throws made (100).  Johnson also finished 39 ^th in the nation in total field goals made with 172 on the season. 

MCCC Guard Izaiah Johnson

Johnson bringing up the ball at the NJCAA  Rising All-Star Game

Johnson drives to the basket at the NJCAA Rising All-Star Game