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Wes Johnson Reflects on 2009-10 Season, Time at Syracuse

The former Orange star remembers his time in Central New York fondly.
Mike McAllister|
Wes Johnson Reflects on 2009-10 Season, Time at Syracuse
Wes Johnson Reflects on 2009-10 Season, Time at Syracuse

AllSyracuse.com had the opportunity to speak with former Syracuse forward Wes Johnson about a variety of topics. Video of the interview is at the top of the page. Johnson discusses his transfer from Iowa State, being recruited by Syracuse as a transfer, his time with the Orange, the 2009-10 season, Arinze Onuaku's injury, Kobe Bryant, what he's up to now and some behind the scenes stories. 

Johnson only played one season at Syracuse, but it was a memorable one. He spent his first two seasons at Iowa State where he averaged over 12 point per game in each. Following a transfer to Syracuse and sitting out the 2008-09 campaign, Johnson won Big East Player of the Year during the 2009-10 season. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks per game during the year while shooting over 50% from the floor and 41% from three point range. 

Syracuse reached number one in the nation during that season and earned a one seed in the NCAA Tournament. Starting center Arinze Onuaku was hurt in the Big East Tournament and did not return the rest of the season. Syracuse fell to Butler in the Sweet-16. 

Johnson turned pro after that stellar season and was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. He spent nine seasons in the NBA, playing for the Timberwolves, the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards. For his career, Johnson averaged 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.

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Mike McAllister
MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting.  EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans.  After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years.  Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports.  Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College. 

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