This article first featured on siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois men’s basketball coach Bryan Mullins announced on Wednesday that the program has added George Mason transfer guard Xavier Johnson (pronounced EX-zay-vee-ur).

A 6-foot-1 junior from Germantown, Md., Johnson led the Patriots in assists (129) and steals (30) last season, and averaged 7.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

“You are always looking for fit in the recruiting process, and with Xavier this could not be a better fit,” Mullins said. “He will add toughness, experience and leadership. All he wants to do is win and play in the NCAA Tournament. That is what this program is about.”

In 13 of his 28 games last season, Johnson dished out at least five assists. He had a career-high 10 dishes at LaSalle and recorded nine assists in games versus Georgia, UMass, Richmond and VCU. Also an effective rebounder, Johnson finished fourth on the team in rebounding, including a career-best 10 boards at Richmond.

Johnson scored in double figures 11 times last season, including a string of six-straight double-figure performances during conference play from Feb. 5-20. He recorded a career-high 19 points at Fordham.

In three seasons at George Mason, including a COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, Johnson totaled 246 assists versus 167 turnovers.

“I’m a pass-first guard, I like to get my teammates involved,” Johnson said. “You have to lead by example so other guys can follow you, being vocal, and just make sure you’re the hardest worker so guys want to get behind you and follow you.”

Johnson comes from a basketball family. His father, Kelvin, played at the University of Richmond (1981-85) and is currently the director of player development at Central Florida. His mother, Mary, played for Maryland Eastern Shore. His younger brother, Darius, is a sophomore at UCF. Together, the brothers won a state title at Episcopal High School in Maryland. Johnson’s godfather is former Duke /San Antonio Spurs star and UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins.

“I want to win a conference championship and go to the NCAA Tournament,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a chance to experience that with my dad and watching (UCF) play. I was heartbroken when they lost and I wasn’t even playing. It’s just an amazing experience and something I want to do.”