| Interview With The Self-Proclaimed "Greatest Of All Time" |
| You might look at Dean Johnston and ask yourself, "Is this the pose of an All-star caliber player?". Johnston is no ordanairy 5"8' gaurd. Of course he does all the things expected of a guard, he shoots like Jeff Hornceck, he runs the court like Jason Kidd, he passes like Jason Williams with John Stockton accuracy, but this kid has hidden strengths. Coming off a successful third season in leading the league in blocked shots is quite uncommon for a guard. Johnston averaged 5.7 blocks per game last season. "This kid can block a mean shot", says one of the scouts of the WBBA, in which Johnston is currantly playing in. Johnston learned he had a special talent for blocking shots at a very young age. He quickly developed in to a mean blocking machine. When asked about joining the much higher NBA Johnston just says "It's all 'bout keeping it real" "I have to stay loyal to Harlem and the fans". Johnston, who was drafted first overall in the 1999 WBBA draft, decided to stay with his team, Harlem Vanilla Milkshakes, when NBA scouts believed he was ready for the NBA. Johnston has many nicknames which define him and his game perfectly some are: The GOAT, White Man Who Can Jump, Sockton Wit A Jump or Ghost Dogg because he is so quick and deceptive. I luckly had the chance to interview Johnston on his views and himself. |
Me: So how's it feel to be called 'The John Stockton Who Can Block Shots'? Johnston: It's a great honour. It's just a great feeling being compared to such a great legend, and in saying I can block shots means that I'm a better player then Stockton. Me: Do you have any pointers on how to block shots? Johnston: It all comes down to natural abillity. You either have it or you don't. I've got a couple of secrets that I can't share with you, not that anybody would beat me anyway. If you dont have it just turn to steroids it can help a lot. Me: How do you feel about the 'white men cant jump' theory? Johnston: Completely false. It all comes down to black men can jump a little higher, but I'll take on anybody and beat them. Me: How do you feel about the rumors that your just another wigger who cant play real ball? Johnston: Totally unfair. I'll take that guy out. He'll regret he said that. Me: You were selected along with John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Doug Christie, Shawn Bradley and Toni Kucoc in The All-White First Team, How does that feel? Johnston: It's a great honour to be placed in the same catagory as those players but everybody knows I'm that much higher then the others on the team. Me: In the game against The Compton Snowmen, you blocked an amazing 10 shots, including one on 7"6' Shawn Bradley. How do you do it? Johnston: Again it all comes down to natural abillity. Bradley sold out and moved to the NBA now. Me: I know your originally from "Parts Unknown", but how have the fans and coaches treated you in Harlem? Johnston: The fans have been very suppportive. Harlem is like my second home. Most of the coaches here have been really good except one. He knows who he is, and I won't name names this time. Me: Why did you turn down a call up to the big time? Johnston: I turned it down to stay real to the fans. The NBA is a Blackman's league. Me: When growing up who were your idols? Johnston: Me, Myself and I. Maybe a little John Stockton. Dean would like to thank all his fans who have supported him throughout his career and a special shout out to all his brothers in Harlem. Keep it real. |