Things have not come easy on the basketball court at UConn for freshman forward Marcus Johnson. Heading into Sunday's match-up with the University of New Hampshire, the Los Angeles native had scored just 4 points in seven games while averaging just under eight minutes per game. But with Denham Brown sidelined (sprained knee), Johnson got his first big opportunity to make his mark. While he has struggled somewhat to find his role offensively, he has impressed his head coach with his effort, defense, and steady improvement in practices. He was rewarded with his first career start against New Hampshire.

"He's one of our best defensive players and he's getting better," said Calhoun prior to the game. "He's not a great shooter, but he's becoming a good shooter. He's got to find ways to score, he's a great athlete. I think he's developing great. I'm sure he would like to see that reflected in his minutes, but until now there's been some pretty good players in front of him. Now there's one less, so he has the opportunity tomorrow to prove how much he has come along."

But even with the start there was no guarantee of minutes for Johnson; he still had to play well to stay on the floor.

"We'll keep Rashad coming off the bench," said Calhoun. "But again, once they throw the ball up you can sub anytime you want."

But there would be no quick hook for Johnson who impressed the Hartford Civic Center crowd with an array of offensive moves on his way to a 20 point game. He shot 9-for-13 from the floor while playing 24 minutes. He hit jump shots, converted an alley-oop, and shot 2-for-3 from three point range. He also scored on a layup off his own steal and had an offensive put back in traffic.

For Johnson, starting the game appeared to be just what he needed to get himself going.

"When you're a starter you feel a little more comfortable and feel like you have a little bit more leeway...it felt really good," he said after the game.

Johnson is gifted with athletic ability. He can leap out of the gym and he has great quickness. At 6-foot-6, he has impressive ball handling skills and slash and drive ability. He is also known for his defensive prowess. But one thing Johnson has not been known for is his jump shot, an aspect of his game he has been working hard on. He has spent time with assistant coach Andre LaFleur, working on the mechanics of his shot, and he is now gaining confidence in his shooting stroke. Johnson was rewarded for his hard work scoring 14 of his 20 points against New Hampshire on jumpers.

"I've been working on my jump shot a lot," he said after the game. "I felt confident so I just took more shots and they were falling for me."

Johnson, who has been spending time outside of practice working on his stroke, says he feels that at this point becoming a better shooter is just a matter of putting in the time.

"I try to get in here before practice and put shots up," he said. "Now it's just repetition really. Technique, we've already worked on that. So it's just getting used to it and being consistent."

He was more than consistent against New Hampshire and his confidence seemed to grow with each shot he made, leading to a personal 8 point run over a one minute and 30 second span early in the second half.

Although New Hampshire - who would lose the game 86-44 - was no match for the Huskies, for Johnson it was a pivotal game. He knows that as a freshman minutes will be hard to come by this season with the talented wing players on Connecticut's roster. He knows that he needs to continue to improve and earn playing time by being productive and consistent when he is called upon.

He is optimistic about the future and hopes to make the most of his opportunities. And while he is in a battle for playing time, he appreciates the chance to practice with - and learn from - the players that are ahead of him in Connecticut's lineup.

"Look at the guys I'm around...Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown, Rudy Gay," said Johnson. "Our wings are just great and everybody here works hard. Just practicing against these guys, even on the second team I'm practicing against the best starting five in America. Defensively, offensively, playing against those guys I'm just a better player overall because of it."

Calhoun says he has been impressed with Johnson's work ethic and his improvement in practice. He can also appreciate the tough situation his freshman wing faces everyday competing for minutes.

"I think he said it best," said Calhoun. "With Denham, Rashad and Rudy ahead of him it's very difficult. When he got his chance he took a great opportunity, worked hard and made great plays...obviously we think he'll be a terrific player because he's a very, very good athlete, he's a tough kid and he does know how to play. He just has to continue to work hard on his shot."

You can be sure that Johnson continues to work hard on his jumper and says that he feels he still has a long way to go, but he is also optimistic about the chance to use his performance against New Hampshire as a building block.

"It was the chance of a lifetime. This was the beginning of a new life for me," reflected Johnson after the game. "Starting and actually producing when I was on the floor, that was a big deal."

"I see improvement in myself and that's important but I can always get better," he continued. "I guess you could say I'm happy but not satisfied."

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