THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 29, 1995 TAG: 9503290555
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Old Dominion sophomore guard Mark Johnson has decided to transfer, which leaves the Monarchs with another scholarship to fill as the spring signing date approaches.
Johnson said he is not sure where he will go but likely will choose a Big South or Southern Conference school.
``I really like my teammates,'' Johnson said. ``It's a tough decision, but I really like playing basketball, too.''
He hadn't done much of that at ODU. Johnson was the ninth man on a 10-player team last season, playing in 20 of 33 games and averaging 4.4 minutes, 1.5 points and 0.4 assists. Those numbers were down from his freshman season.
Johnson said he met with coach Jeff Capel after the season, which confirmed his suspicion that he would never be more than a deep reserve for the Monarchs.
``They were honest with me and said I just didn't fit into their system,'' said Johnson, a 6-foot-3 guard from Altavista, Va. ``It was definitely my decision to leave. I could still be here if I wanted to.''
Capel said ODU has been recruiting high school seniors and is hoping to land a much-needed shooting guard with the open scholarship. The spring signing period begins April 12.
``There's a couple kids we've been keeping in touch with in case something happens,'' Capel said. ``You always do that.'' ILLUSTRATION: Mark Johnson
by CNB