The University of Akron Athletics
Isaiah Johnson, Men's Basketball
Akron, Ohio – Isaiah Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio), a junior center on the men's basketball team, was named the Zips' Student-Athlete of the Month for January, presented by The University of Akron, Ohio's Polytechnic University.
Johnson was remarkable for the Zips in the month of January. The 6-10, 300LB center known as “Big Dog” turned in eight double-digit scoring efforts in nine games, leading Akron to a 7-2 record for the month.
Johnson averaged 14.2 points and 6.67 rebounds per game en route to being named the MAC East Player of the Week twice (Jan. 25 and Jan. 4). He was 46-of-75 from the field to lead the team with a 61.3 shooting percentage. At the charity stripe, Johnson shot 36-of-57 (.632), including an 83.9 percent, 26-of-31 effort in the last four games. In addition, he grabbed 60 rebounds for a 6.67 per game average while adding 12 assists and 10 blocked shots in nine games.
Big Dog recorded two 20-point scoring efforts last month. On Jan. 2, he led the Zips to an 80-73 win at Rhodes arena with 20 points and on 8-of-12 (.667) shooting. He added five rebounds and three blocked shots.
On Jan. 19, Akron defeated Eastern Michigan at home and Johnson led the way, scoring 22 points on 5-of-9 shooting (.556) with a 12-of-13 (.923) showing from the charity stripe. He finished the game with eight rebounds, two blocks and an assist.
Johnson dominates the painted area and currently leads the squad with 159 total rebounds, securing 100 defensive boards and 59 offensive grabs. He averages a team-high 12.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. “Big Dog” has connected with a team-best 59.5 percent of his shots on 91-of-153 from the field while registering 14 double-digit performances, including 13 of the last 15 games. He registered two double-doubles and three 20+ point nights.
Against Coppin State (Dec. 2), he had 15 rebounds and 11 points and at the South Point against Iona with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He followed with a career-high 24 points and nine rebounds with a personal best 14-of-16 from the free throw line (SC State, Dec.30), as well as, a 20-point five rebound effort (Lipscomb, Jan. 2). Against EMU, Johnson tallied his third 20-point performance of the season with 22 points and eight rebounds. Johnson was named MAC East Player of the Week three times and was named collegesportsmadness.com Madness Mid-American Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.
2015-16 ZIPS' STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE MONTH, PRESENTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, OHIO'S POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
September, 2015 - Adam Najem, Men's Soccer
October, 2015 - Richie Laryea, Men's Soccer
November, 2015 - Stuart Holthusen, Men's Soccer
December, 2015 - Adam Najem, Men's Soccer
January, 2016 - Isaiah Johnson, Men's Basketball
