VITALS: 6-11, 212, senior, Utah OVERVIEW: Johnsen is a former McDonald's All-American who started his career in 1997 before it was interrupted by a Mormon mission. He averaged 3.5 points as a freshman and was a part of Utah's Final Four team that lost to Kentucky in the 1998 title game. Johnsen started 27 games last season and was a second team Mountain West Conference selection after averaging 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds. Johnsen had a case of mononucleosis that caused him to miss Utah's postseason run as well as the Portsmouth Invitational. Johnsen shot just 26 percent on 3-pointers last season. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. Johnsen had a tremendous workout in Memphis, and if he were to somehow jump into the first round, the Grizzlies would be the likely suitors at No. 27. Chicago (36, 45) could take him early in the second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Keith Van Horn COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Mark Hendrickson ROLE PROJECTION: Key reserve. POSITIVES: Johnsen isn't a former McDonald's All-American because he likes cheeseburgers. The guy really can play, and he is a fabulous talent with NBA skills. In fact, his game is eerily similar to former Utah forward Keith Van Horn; they even look a bit alike as well. The major difference between the players is that for everything Johnsen does, Van Horn does the same things even better. Nevertheless, Johnsen is a good shooter, quick athlete, has a long body for a small forward and has a great feel for the game. SHORTCOMINGS: How a guy with as much talent as Johnsen not even manage to average 12 points per game at the college level as a senior is a mystery. Perhaps Utah's system held him back, but that is still a poor excuse for a player of his caliber. The other major concern with Johnsen is his shaky defensive skills - he is not strong at 210 pounds and is a poor rebounder. His struggles on the perimeter this season also threw up red flags. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "You have to wonder if he is one of these workout warrior types - a guy whose skills make him look good in an open gym, but whose mentality does not lend itself to strong play in a 5-on-5 setting." anonymous Eastern Conference scout
