After spending three seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, Cameron Johnson transferred to the University of North Carolina for his final two seasons of eligibility. In his senior season, the 6-foot-8 wing was named the Tar Heels’ MVP and averaged 16.9 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game on 51-46-82 shooting splits.
Quite possibly the most concerning aspect of Johnson’s game is his injury-riddled past. In 2014-2015, he was issued a medical redshirt after suffering a shoulder injury eight games into the season. It wasn’t until 2017-2018 when Johnson was out for another month stretch. He missed 11 games due to a torn meniscus at the start of the season. He concluded that season, and then underwent hip surgery prior to his final season of eligibility.
Despite injuries, Johnson has grown into a lights-out shooter over his collegiate career. He has a beautiful stroke with a quick release, both of which allow him to regularly knock down stand-still jumpers or shots off the screen. He made 96 three pointers this season – second most in UNC history – and led the ACC in three-point percentage (45.7 percent). That percentage was good for seventh in the nation.
Johnson is known for his outside shooting, but he also does a good job of running the floor, moving without the ball, and scoring on the break and off cuts to the basket. Driving to the rim, drawing fouls, and handling the ball in traffic aren’t his strong suits, however.
A two-time All-ACC Academic selection, Johnson is a fundamentally sound player, who has above-average athleticism. He recently tested well at the NBA Combine. He also has great size for a wing, but lacks an exceptional wingspan compared to his height. He doesn’t have the strongest frame, but his broad shoulders give hope that he will fill out down the road.
On defense, Johnson struggles at times to move laterally and keep up with quicker guards. Due to his size, he can smother most guards, but staying in front is his challenge now. He did, however, close out on shooters well. He wouldn’t leave his feet and always had a hand in the shooter’s face. When guarding on ball, Johnson struggled getting through screens, partially due to his slight frame. His aforementioned broad shoulders should fill out, solving his some of his defensive woes.
As an overall defender in terms of points per possession (PPP) allowed, Johnson ranked well this season. He ranked no lower than the 55th percentile in any category, according to Synergy. That said, his other stats and short wingspan are less than appealing. He averaged only 1.5 steals and blocks combined this past season.
Given his shooting talent, size, and solid athleticism, Johnson’s future is likely to be as a 3-and-D player in an NBA rotation. His age (23) is not ideal over the long run, but he will immediately impact a roster, thanks to his smarts and his sweet stroke from distance. As of now, Johnson appears to be the only senior who is a lock to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft.
| Position: | SG/SF | Team/Class: | North Carolina (Grad) |
| Birthday: | 3/6/96 | Nationality: | United States |
| Height: | 6-8 | Weight: | 205 |
| Wingspan: | 6-10 | Vertical: | 30.5 inches (standing), 36.5 (max) |
| Shot Hand: | Right | Stats: | Click here |
Strengths
- Scores efficiently on all three levels; ranked at the 98th percentile for PPP this season
- When combining possessions and assists in the half court, Johnson ranked at the 94th percentile for PP(P+A)
- Big wing, and has a frame that should support more muscle
- Terrific in catch-and-shoot situations; ranked at the 97th percentile for PPP
- When guarded, he ranked at the 98th percentile for PPP on catch-and-shoot opportunities
- Beautiful-looking jumper; ranked seventh in the nation in three-point percentage (45.7 percent)
- Shot well off screens; ranked at the 97th percentile for PPP
- Shot 82 percent from the foul line
- Low turnover rate (10.4 percent this season)
- Excellent overall defender; ranked at the 89th percentile
- Snatched 5.8 rebounds per game
- Scores very high in most overall metrics; ranked in the top 10 in the nation for plus-minus
Weaknesses
- Short wingspan (2 inches greater than his height)
- Injury-riddled career
- Older prospect, which limits his upside
- Not a dynamic ball handler, driver, or creator
- Shoots better off screens and in catch-and-shoot situations compared to off-the-dribble shots
- Not an efficient pick-and-roll ball handler; ranked at the 43rd percentile for PPP, and with passes included, ranked at the 17th percentile
- Below average on put backs; ranked at the 30th percentile for PPP
- Lateral movement is not the best on the defensive end
- Doesn’t produce many blacks and steals
Sources, Credits, and Acknowledgements: Stats used in our scouting reports mainly come from Synergy Sports Technology and RealGM.com, and occasionally from Hoop-Math.com and Sports-Reference.com. The photo was courtesy of North Carolina Athletics. Other outside sources are noted with links to the source.
