ESPN will set the stage for Longwood senior Shaquille Johnson and seven other collegiate men’s basketball players from programs across the nation to compete for the State Farm College Slam Dunk crown on Thursday evening, March 31.
When the clock strikes 9 p.m., the Lancer logo will blaze in front of the thousands of viewers across his chest for the first time in Longwood’s history, but also for his final hurrah while robed in blue and white.
“It’s like a great situation for everybody,” said Johnson, adding that the contest is “a great recruiting tool” for the program and a “great way to go out in college” for himself.
After making a name for himself in high school through his athleticism and dunking ability, his reputation followed him to the next level, bolstered by his victory over now-NBA player Derrick Williams in 2011 at the Under Armour Slam Dunk Contest also shown on ESPN. When he came to Longwood two years ago, CollegeBasketballTalk.com tabbed him as the No. 4 dunker in college.
One of the first four players, Johnson will travel down to NCAA Final Four host Houston, Texas for his second appearance in a nationally televised dunking contest. The 220 pound, 6-foot-5 forward said his difference in age and experience will ground him going into the event as he comes off his final season of Division I basketball.
“When I was young (I) was really excited for it, but now being older, it’s just something that I want to win. I’m not going into it trying to be cool, and just because I’m on TV, I’m not going to get too cocky,” said Johnson.
The Lancer will be joined by Nevada's Ike Nwamu, Mississippi State's Craig Sword, East Tennessee State’s Deuce Bello, Davidson’s Jordan Barham and Tulsa’s Shaquille Harrison, as well as non-Division I Dark Horse picks in Yunio Baruetta of Barry University and Devan Douglass of University of Mary -- both Division II institutions.
Even in the face of such competition, Johnson said preparation would be minimal leading up to Thursday’s showdown.
“When it comes to dunk contests, I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself or emphasis on certain dunks. I go out there to just have fun,” he said. “I’m not nervous, at the end of the day, it’s just basketball.”
*Full Roster for the College Slam Dunk contest announced this morning, updated from the print article.*
