Sydney centre growing in stature at Furman

• Sydney's Charles Johnston is averaging 7.3 points and 3.2 rebounds
• Delivered a career-high 25 against Jacksonville
• Johnston is developing into an elite three-point shooter

Charles Johnston is a junior power forward / centre for the Furman Paladins in the NCAA Division 1 Southern Conference. Standing an impressive 2.11m (6'11) and weighing 102kg, the Sydney-born big has become a formidable presence, showcasing a unique blend of size, skill, and potential.

Johnston played for Division II Cal State Monterey Bay last season averaging 13ppg and 10.7 rebounds. He posted 13 double-doubles and became the first player in Otter basketball history to average a double for the entire season. He transferred to Furman for the 2024-25 NCAA season.

As we delve into Johnston's 2024-25 season, it will reveal how he is making his mark at the collegiate level.

2024-25 Season: A Closer Look at Johnston's Performance

As we analyse Charles Johnston's statistics for the 2024-25 season, it's clear that he has become an integral part of the Furman Paladins' roster. Through 14 games, Johnston has averaged 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute consistently on both ends of the floor.

What stands out most about Johnston's game is his shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. With a field goal percentage of 47.1%, Johnston has shown he can be a reliable scoring option. His three-point shooting has been impressive in several games this season.

Let's break down some of Johnston's standout performances:

1. Career-High Against Jacksonville (12 November 2024): In a 78-69 victory over Jacksonville, Johnston exploded for a career-high 25 points. He showcased his shooting ability by going 8-from-9 from the field, including a red hot 4-from-5 from three-point range. This game highlighted Johnston's potential as a stretch big, capable of drawing opposing bigs away from the basket to create spacing.
2. Double-Double Potential vs Western Carolina (2 January 2025): In a dominant 90-61 win against Western Carolina, Johnston flirted with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. His 3-from-4 shooting from beyond the arc demonstrated his continued improvement as a long-range threat.
3. Defensive Presence vs East Tennessee State (16 January 2025): While Johnston's offensive output was limited in this game, he made his presence felt on the defensive end with two blocks and a steal in just 13 minutes.

Areas for Improvement

As with any developing player, there are areas where Johnston can continue to grow. His assist numbers (0.6 per game) suggest there's room for improvement in his playmaking and court vision.

Consistency will be key for Johnston as he progresses through his junior year and looks towards his senior season. While he has shown flashes, maintaining a high level of performance is be crucial for both his development and the Paladins' success.

Impact on Furman's Season

Johnston's contributions have been vital to Furman's success in the 2024-25 season. The Paladins have shown they can compete with top-tier opponents, as evidenced by their close game against Kansas (ranked #1 at the time) on 1 December 2024. Although Furman lost 86-51, Johnston's five rebounds and two assists in 14 minutes demonstrated his ability to contribute against elite competition.

Furman's victories over challenging opponents such as Tulane (75-67) and Princeton (69-63) further highlight the team's competitiveness, with Johnston playing significant minutes. His ability to stretch the floor and provide a defensive presence has given the Paladins a unique advantage in their frontcourt rotation.

Looking Ahead: Johnston's Future Prospects

As he progresses through his junior year and looks towards his senior season, several key questions emerge:

1. Can he elevate his game to become a consistent double-digit scorer for the Paladins?
2. Will his three-point shooting continue to improve, making him an even more dangerous stretch big?
3. How will his performances in key conference games and potential postseason play impact his professional prospects?

The answers to these questions will unfold over the coming months, but one thing is clear: Charles Johnston has established himself as a player to watch, not just for Furman fans, but for anyone interested in the development of international basketball talent.

For now, Furman Paladins and Australian fans can take pride in watching a promising talent bloom before their eyes, as Johnston continues to make his mark on the court, one game at a time.