When you're one of the top players in the country, you have to be willing to adapt and make adjustments. Mater Dei forward and recently named McDonald's All-American Stanley Johnson epitomizes that. With a void at the point guard position, head coach Gary McKnight needed Johnson to take over the reins there. He's done that. Recently in a game, he didn't like the groove he was in. He had nine points at the half on nine shots. He changed his shoes at halftime and scored 11 points in the third quarter. Already, the Arizona commit is one of the most successful players to ever wear a Mater Dei uniform. As he writes the final chapters of his high school career, here's 10 things you many not know about Stanley Johnson:
Nickname
If you're a player with the talent of Stanley Johnson, there are no shortage of nicknames. His trainer Charlie Torres nicknamed him "Stanimal." On trips with the USA junior National Team, consensus No. 1 player in the country Jahlil Okafor, and the nation's point guard, Tyus Jones, began calling him "Stan Man."
Hobbies
When he's not on the floor, Johnson enjoys working out and playing video games.
"I'm 126th in the country, by the way, on Madden," he said.
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Late night snack
If it's late and Johnson is looking for a snack, he's reaching for either the sugar cookies or snickerdoodles.
Favorite movie
"Friday" is the movie of choice for Johnson, but not just any one.
"The original one with Smokey (played by Chris Tucker)," Johnson said.
Who would play you in a movie?
Ideally, Johnson would want Will Smith to have the honors of playing him in a movie.
"I'm a big Will Smith fan for 'Fresh Prince,' 'Bad Boys,' 'Pursuit of Happyness,' everything," Johnson said.
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"I told her I'd wear it through high school," he admitted.
Biggest fear
God.
Pregame ritual
Johnson sticks to the same routine every game.
"Get a healthy meal in," he said. "Come in. Put my shorts on. Do my stretching, put my clothes on then use the bathroom, wash my hands. Come out, pray and then go on the court.
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"(It's) always that same rhythm."
Favorite meal
For that, Johnson will go with any breakfast made by his mom.
"My mom makes a really mean breakfast," he said. "Bacon and eggs sandwich, pancakes, Belgian waffles, all that stuff."
Celebrity crush
