Robert Johnson Q & A

Question: This happened a long time ago now, but what made the Indiana Hoosiers stand out compared to the other teams you considered?

Answer: I always wanted to play for a big time basketball school and with the impact that Coach Crean wants me to make as a freshman, I couldn’t turn it down.

Q: I know you’ve probably gotten this question a million times, but what do you think your strengths are, as both a player and a teammate?

A: I think my strengths are shooting and scoring the ball and playing tough. As a teammate, I’m a natural leader so I take pride in leading by example and doing whatever it takes to win.

Q: Your weaknesses? What do you need to improve the most before the season starts in November?

A: I think I can improve on every area of my game as far as weaknesses go, but I think getting stronger will definitely be key.

Q: What do you believe you can contribute to the Hoosiers in your freshman year?

A: Next year I will contribute leadership, scoring, toughness, and a will to win.

Q: What are your thoughts on the incoming recruiting class? Have you talked to the newest commits, Jeremiah April and Tim Priller?

A: I think we have a strong class. I would put me and James up against any other incoming guards in the country. Everybody in our class can shoot, even Jeremiah has a soft touch from what I have seen, so shooting won’t be a problem next year. I talk to James and Max all the time, but I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to Tim or Jeremiah yet.

Q: What kind of player do you think will fill the last open scholarship?

A: I’m not sure who will fill the last spot, but I’m thinking anyone from a wing to a big from everything that I’ve seen.

Q: What is your relationship with the current team members?

A: I’m cool with everyone on the team and got to meet them all. I’ve talked to Troy, Stan, and Noah the most out of everybody.

Q: How excited are you to wear the Cream and Crimson in just a few months?

A: I’m super excited. I’m counting down the days until I’m in Btown.

Q: Have you gotten any sense of the types of offensive sets the ‘14-‘15 team will run? Do you think playing an up-tempo offensive style will be successful?

A: Coach Crean sent me a tape of guard play in our offense, so I have a good feel of what most sets will consist of. I think playing up-tempo will be great for us with our backcourt and the way everyone can spread the floor. Gonna be hard guarding us.

Q: Are you looking forward to a certain game next year? As of now, the general public knows about Pittsburgh, Louisville, SMU, Butler, and the teams in the Big Ten.

A: I look forward to all of those games because all of those games are against talented teams and give us a chance to make a statement outside of conference play.

Q: What are your expectations for both yourself and the team for next season?

A: I want to come and contribute to us winning right away. I expect us to bounce back from last year and win a lot of games.

Q: Do you have a favorite nickname?

A: Fans have gave a couple of funny ones like “OG Robby Johnson,” but I just stick with Rob.

Q: Since you’re wearing the number 4 next year, what are your thoughts on Victor Oladipo?

A: Vic is a great player and he had a good rookie season this year. The thing I like most about him is his toughness. He does it all with no questions asked.