RALEIGH — Markell Johnson will be in his third game since returning from an indefinite suspension when North Carolina State plays host to No. 25 Miami today.
The sophomore guard is coming off an Atlantic Coast Conference career-best 13 points in the Wolfpack’s victory against Wake Forest on Thursday.
As for if he’s totally back in the swing of things, it depends on who you ask.
"I’m back," Johnson said. "I feel a lot better. I’m back."
N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts believes Johnson is getting there.
"Obviously, he’s not in great shape," Keatts said. "He’s one of the only guys who will put his hands up and tell you that he’s tired. … But he’s coming along. His conditioning is getting better."
What isn’t up for debate is that Johnson’s return has helped the Wolfpack.
"I would say defensively, he’s killing whoever he’s facing," N.C. State center Omer Yurtseven said. "He’s locking guards up — that’s what I’ve seen. He’s going 100 percent every play, every defensive and offensive play."
With Johnson back, things have opened up for the rest of the Wolfpack lineup.
"He’s a guard that can attack bigs off the pick-and-roll," Yursteven said. "When bigs have to stay on the ball, it definitely creates an opportunity for me."
Knowing he couldn’t help N.C. State from the sideline was difficult for Johnson.
"It was very hard watching them playing without me," Johnson said. "I got back and just got right into the rhythm, and now I’m ready to roll."
N.C. State upset two ranked teams (Duke and Clemson) without Johnson, leading him to believe the team can reach a new level with him back in the fold.
"Them beating Duke and then turning around and beating Clemson, after losing to Clemson (in the first matchup of the season), it just made me think we can be a good team, on defense and on offense," Johnson said.
Johnson called it "the best feeling" to be with his teammates on the court again.
"Just being back with my team, it just feels good," Johnson said. "I can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and play again."
