Kevin Keatts on Markell Johnson: "He's Day-To-Day"
NC State head coach Kevin Keatts said on his weekly radio show that junior point guard Markell Johnson is day-to-day after missing the game against Wake Forest.
"He's day-to-day," Keatts said of Johnson. "It would be unfair for me to say when he may return. It could be Saturday or it could be two weeks from now. He's day-to-day.
“It literally comes down to when he feels comfortable he can get out there and play because I'll never put him out there unless I know he is 100%."
The Wolfpack missed Johnson in the loss at Wake Forest. The team scored a season-low 67 points and shot 37% from the field, also a season-low.
"He's the one guy that can create for himself and others," Keatts said of Johnson. "The other guys can... Braxton can certainly shoot the ball, Devon Daniels and CJ Bryce are both great at getting to the hole, but Markell gives you both of them. He can get to the rack and also spray to shooters. Remember, he led the ACC in assists last year, but he can also go get you a basket. That's tough.
“With Markell out it puts so much pressure on Braxton Beverly because he has to dribble the ball, shoot the ball and pass the ball. He's a guy who really struggles more than anybody with Markell out of the game."
Johnson is averaging 11.6 points and 4.1 assists this season while shooting 57% from the field and 47% from three-point range.