Posted on 9 July, 2009

Article Courtesy Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wis. – Viterbo University Men’s Basketball head coach Wayne Wagner announced today that Cameron Johnson (Melbourne, Australia) has signed a letter of intent to play for the V-Hawks.

“I am really excited about the chance to play college basketball in the States as it has been something I have wanted to do,” stated Johnson. “Having current and former teammates now playing in the States, we hear a lot about college basketball. It will be great to play the game and get an education at the same time. I am really looking forward to coming over and being a part of Viterbo University.”

Johnson comes to Viterbo University after playing this summer for the Development/Youth league team of the Kilsyth Cobras. The Kilsyth Cobras Development team is coached by former V-Hawk Head Coach Rod Popp who also coached Wagner in his V-Hawk playing days. The Kilsyth Cobras have other La Crosse connections. Current V-Hawk women’s basketball player Katina Mandylaris (Melbourne, Austarlia) grew up in the club, and former Holmen High School and Winona State star Zach Malvik played for the Cobras professional team last year. UW-La Crosse All-American Joe Werner and Winona State standout Quincy Henderson are currently playing for the top level Kilsyth team.

“Cam is a very hard worker and motivated player,” commented Coach Popp. “He is a very physical guard that has a very complete game. Our system of man to man defense and motion offense should allow him to slot into Coach Wagner’s system nicely. I know he has the work ethic and attributes that the V-Hawks are looking for in players.”

Johnson is currently averaging 13.4 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game for the Cobras. A 6’2” guard, Johnson is also shooting 38.1% from the three point line and had a season high 28 points against Knox in the season opener. Johnson has played for the Kilsyth Cobras organization for six seasons and has won numerous awards including a team MVP award and three coach’s awards.

“Cameron comes to us from a great background playing for Coach Popp down in Melbourne. He will be a readymade player with a great grasp of the foundation of our approach to the game here at Viterbo,” commented Coach Wagner. “Cameron is a complete player that provides great versatility for us on both ends of the floor. He has been an aggressive floor leader as a point guard as well as a scorer offensively from the wing position in Coach Popp’s system. He is a hard-nosed defender that can defend a number of positions which will keep us strong in that regard. Cameron should be a great fit and a quality compliment to our current roster along with the other quality newcomers we have coming in.”