Purdue senior forward/center JaJuan Johnson was named a first-team All-American by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) on Monday, becoming the first Boilermaker to garner first-team honors in 17 years.
The Indianapolis native is the 17th first-team All-American in the history of Purdue basketball, and the first since Glenn Robinson in 1994. He is the 46th Boilermaker ever to earn All-America distinction.
“I’m humbled and thankful that I’ve been chosen for this incredible honor,” Johnson said. “This dream wouldn’t be a reality without my teammates and coaches, and I want to thank them, along with my family, for all the support they have shown me over the years. It’s a great feeling when your hard work pays off, and I’m excited to get back on the court with my teammates and prepare for the NCAA Tournament.”
Monday’s announcement also placed Johnson alongside 2010 honorees Robbie Hummel and E’Twaun Moore - widely regarded as the trio that led Purdue basketball back to national prominence - as Boilermaker All-Americans.
“I’m happy and excited for JaJuan, to say the least,” Painter said. “He puts the work in and does things the right way, and it’s great to see it pay off for him. He’s from a great family, and it’s been great to watch him develop on and off the court over the last four years.”
Johnson was named Big Ten Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring in conference play with an average of 20.7 points per game, also marking the first time a Boilermaker had done so since Robinson in 1994. Johnson’s corresponding first-team All-Big Ten selection was his second, and his third All-Big Ten nod overall. He also took home Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team after pacing the league in blocked shots (2.5).
Johnson also ranked third in total rebounds (8.3), defensive rebounds (6.1) and free throw percentage (.876), fifth in offensive rebounds (2.3), 11th in steals (0.9) and 14th in field goal percentage (.482) in Big Ten games.
He posted 10 double-doubles during the regular season, and currently leads the conference with 21 20-point scoring games on the year. He has netted double-digit points in 41-consecutive games, the sixth-longest streak in program history.
Johnson is also the lone player in Division I this season with 1,800 points, 800 rebounds, and 250 blocks for his career. He currently ranks 12th on Purdue’s single-season scoring chart (657) and 13th on its single-season rebounding ledger (261), making him one of just four Purdue players to rank in the top 15 of both lists.
In recent days, Johnson has also been named the USBWA District V Player of the Year, an All-District 7 selection by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and a first-team All-American by virtually every national publication.
The No. 3 seed in the Southwest Region, Purdue will face No. 14 seed Saint Peter’s in NCAA Tournament second-round action on Friday. The Boilermakers and Peacocks are set to square off at 7:20 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago. TNT will televise the action live, and the Purdue Sports Network will have the call on the radio waves.
2011 USBWA All-Americans
First team
Jimmer Fredette, BYU
JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
Nolan Smith, Duke
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
Kemba Walker, Connecticut
Second team
Kenneth Faried, Morehead State
Jordan Hamilton, Texas
Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame
Marcus Morris, Kansas
Derrick Williams, Arizona