SIU’s Captain Xavier Johnson

SIU’s New Go To Player

(St. Louis, MO) – Southern Illinois’ basketball team will look a lot different this season. Gone to the Big Ten are Marcus Domask and Lance Jones and captain Xavier Johnson is the Salukis’ new go to player. The Missouri Valley Conference all-defensive team member is ready to take on a larger scoring and leadership role.

Johnson participated in this summer’s Athletes in Action’s ‘Captains Academy’ and is ready to lead SIU to its second straight winning season. After three seasons at George Mason and one in Carbondale, the 6’1 guard has recorded 743 points, 335 assists and is a defensive stopper. The academy was an invitation only event for 19 men’s college basketball players.

Johnson was a vital part of SIU’s break through 2022-23 season as the Salukis won 23 games and tied for third in the Valley standings. Johnny Dawkins’ god-son averaged 7.0 points 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists while connecting on .427 from long distance.

His father (Kelvin) and mother (Mary) each played college basketball and the SIU grad-student says his family taught him a solid basketball work ethic.

 

 

The Captains Academy

Captain Xavier Johnson learned about the AIA academy from coach Bryan Mullins. The academy brought former NBA players, coaches, trainers and other speakers together to train and inspire the collection of outstanding players. Johnson says hearing perspectives from several different types of people was helpful. He was particularly impressed with Mason Plumlee.

 

 

Athletes in Action is a faith-based organization that connects athletes and coaches to a global community so ‘they can develop holistically and discover purpose both during and after their competing career.’ Johnson says the players spent time reading and discussing the Bible, but were also learning generic leadership lessons.

 

 

SIU Roster

Johnson is excited about the newcomers on this year’s Saluki squad. Mullins is hoping to build on last year’s success and has rebuilt his roster around Captain Xavier Johnson. SIU returners have talent and the team’s six newcomers include four veterans and two prep players.

Trent Brown, Troy D’Amico, Clarence Rupert are the other returning Salukis with significant experience. Scottie Ebube, Chris Cross, A.J. Ferguson, J.R Jacobs and Cade Hornecker are players that have achieved limited playing time. Brown has appeared in 109 Saluki contests including 49 starts. He is a trusted Saluki veteran.

Johnson says transfers Jarrett Henley (Cincinnati), Jovan Stulic (Little Rock), R.J. McGee (Tulane), Trey Miller (Incarnate Word) and Indianapolis freshman Sheridan Sharp have been impressive. He likes what he sees in all the newcomers and is expecting a successful Saluki season.

 

 

Captain Xavier Johnson has a high regard for faith, family and hard work. He is poised to be a Saluki team leader in on-court production and in guiding his teammates. Our entire conversation, where we talk about coach Mullins, his family, announcer Mike Reis and much more, can be heard on the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast.

SIU’s break through 2022-23 season saw the Salukis reach the twenty-win plateau for the first time under Mullins. Their third place finish was also its best with Mullins and the 23 wins were the most for SIU since the 2007 season.

Posting another significant winning record is a goal for the whole team and captain Xavier Johnson.

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