"The Moment I Step On The Court, I'm In My Own World..." The Story Of Marlon Johnson
The smallest things in life can leave the most significant impact. Whether its someone smiling at you or someone picking up a piece of paper that you may have dropped, these small simplistic acts of kindness can impact someone in ways that only they can comprehend. The small acts of kindness that life can throw at you is remarkable, as that very smile could potentially change the layout of your day. Yet, sit down and scratch my head and think, what would happen if you did something extravagant for someone? What kind of impact can that happen to someone? Would that be something they will remember for the rest of their lives? All these questions and theories are relevant to the starting center from the Saskatchewan Rattlers, Marlon Johnson. Even though Marlon was independent for most of his life, a certain gesture of kindness forever changed the heart and mind of Marlon Johnson.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 28, 1994, Marlon Johnson was brought to this world with a mission unlike no other. Growing up, Marlon was introduced to a rough area 30 minutes out of Chicago in a small town. Whether it was small gangs slowly forming or the occasional fights that would happen, Marlon was introduced to things that he never wished he had seen. At times, Marlon was tempted to do horrible things among his peers, however, revolted to the idea as he had constant lingering thoughts of what he wanted to do with his life. The young Marlon, at times, was conflicted with what he wanted to do in his life as he wasn’t sure of it. Yet, Marlon managed to stay out of trouble throughout his life and instead focused on his education while also having fun with playing video games or climbing monkey bars. This focus was instilled in his life at a young age due to having strict parents who only wanted the best for him. Marlon’s parents knew the dangers that were lurking around their community and wanted to ensure the safety of their son. However, Marlon’s grandma was the main person that taught and demonstrated proper values.
Growing up, whenever Marlon needed guidance or wisdom, he could always count on his grandma. Marlon through-out his life was reasonably independent as he wouldn’t rely on anyone except himself. Yet, when it came to his grandma, that was the only person where he felt comfortable sharing most if not all secrets with. Even though his parents were always there for Marlon when he needed it, his grandma was the one that disciplined him while also showing him the basic rights and wrongs that you should either pursue or avoid. From then on, Marlon felt like no other as he had a foundation that many of his other peers never had. Without his grandma, Marlon wouldn’t be where he is at today, considering the number of times his grandma kept him out of trouble or cautioned him of the consequences of pursuing certain things. However, Marlon was still just a kid playing video games and would also fence as that was something he had a small passion for at the time. His childhood overall was fairly straight forward while also having to go through certain aspects that had the potential of corrupting the young Marlon. Yet, the one common concern that kept on lingering in his mind was, what career path should I focus on?
When reflecting on Marlon’s journey so far, the act of kindness and care is evident in his early days as a kid. Even though Marlon would never rely on others as he was very independent, his parents and grandma were always there for him when he needed it. When it came to his grandma, however, he had a special place reserved for her in his heart as she was arguably the primary reason for keeping Marlon alive and away from trouble. The obstacle of living in a rough neighbourhood never phased his grandma. It instead taught him values that later strengthed him into the man we see today. However, the one lingering aspect that kept on flaring up in his head was, what career path should I focus on? This mindset that Marlon had an early age automatically showed that he was and still is a resilient person who just wanted to keep himself occupied. Not many people have that form of resilience, yet when it came to Marlon, all he wanted to do was make an impact while also doing what he loves.
From childhood to entering his early teens, Marlon was still not too sure about what he wanted to pursue. Marlon wasn’t too picky about what he wanted to do with his life; however, the one thing that he loved was playing sports or doing any form of physical activity. However, when it came to basketball, he had a difference of opinion. Basketball hit differently for Marlon as he felt he was in his world every time he made a field goal. To him, basketball was no ordinary sport as he viewed it as a stress reliever and also a way to hang out with his friends. Marlon quickly got attached to basketball and started to train night and day. Even though school was also a priority for him, basketball was something he felt was far more critical due to his passion and drive he had for the game.
Once Marlon entered high school, his hard work towards the game of basketball was quickly seen. From the transition of middle school to high school, Marlon experienced fast growth. He became one of the tallest students in his entire school. With this gift of height, Marlon wanted to make significant use of it. He started to play various sports, most notably basketball. Although Marlon did have the height, he had a slender figure, which meant that he was not a natural center by any means. Even though his coach would obsess and expect Marlon to play center, Marlon viewed himself more of a small forward that can shoot the ball while having incredible athletism. This was a reoccurring problem throughout his high school tenure; however, his impact on every game he played was starting to speak for itself. By his senior year, Marlon would be the best of the best in his small county as he developed incredible defensive tendencies while also hitting clutch three-point shots when it mattered the most. Marlon wanted to emulate his playstyle to NBA superstar and future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant. Throughout his high school tenure, Marlon’s favourite player was Kevin Durant hence why he wanted to stretch the floor. This is definitely a foreshadowing of Marlon Johnson’s career as he quickly became that but would instead play power forward instead of small forward.
When interviewing Marlon on the phone about his early day playing basketball, the one thing that was consistent in his game was consistency. The aspect that makes Marlon Johnson’s game so respectable is, he never changed his skillset and believed that he could make an impact with the skillset he had. As a big man who can stretch the floor while also having incredible defence towards the offensive and defensive side of the court exemplifies the versatility of Marlon’s game. Rather than submitting to the coaches or other scouts, Marlon kept playing the way he wanted too with respect and, as a result, would become a successful professional basketball player. Marlon truly loves the game of basketball and will not submit to anyone except his self which is highly respectable and admirable. His love for the game originates far back and as a result, will never give up and continue to work hard on his next chapter in his professional life.
College Career
Once his days in high school were over, Marlon would receive an offer from Tallahassee CC. In his freshman and junior years, he would be a full-time starter while averaging, 7 points, 6 rebounds, and about a steal and block a game. His first two years of college was an experience for him to get his foot into the door as he would start to taste what professional basketball could be like.
In his final two years of college basketball, he would transfer to New Mexico Highlands, where he would dominate. As the starting power forward, Marlon averaged 15 points, ten rebounds, and two blocks a game while shooting an impressive 38% from the three-point range. This incredible production would pay off nicely as he would manage to get his first professional opportunity with the CB Prat Juventud, which was an overseas league called the LEB Gold.
Professional Career
Marlon’s tenure with the CB Prat Juventud was where he was first seen as a pro. Even though his college years were quite impressive, especially in the last two seasons, his experience with the CB Prat Juventud was not the same. Marlon averaged four points and three rebounds while only playing 10-15 minutes a game. Although Marlon was grateful for the opportunity, he wanted more of a role on a team where he can broadcast his talents to the world.
Once his stint with Juventud came to a close, Marlon proceeded to continue his basketball journey by joining the Saskatchewan Rattlers. The Rattlers would be the most notable season of his career as he averaged ten points, seven rebounds, and a steal and block a game. However, the thing that made him so special was how he would elevate the energy of his team by either nailing a deep three or slam dunking in front of the audience. His gameplay and overall dominance was a considerable part and reason as to why the Saskatchewan Rattlers took home the first-ever CEBL championship trophy in the summer of 2019.
Marlon played incredible during the CEBL playoffs and showed his value to the basketball world. His stint with the Rattlers landed him a spot with the Sudbury 5 or the NBL this season as the full-time starter. Marlon’s production would drastically improve as he entered the year 2020 with a chip on his shoulder. Marlon is currently averaging a staggering, 21 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and two steals while also averaging 40% from the three-point range with five attempts per game. That’s insanity! His improvement on both ends of the floor has been incredible. It will look to hopefully continue his dominance in the CEBL this summer. Marlon is looking like a star and is becoming a phenom in not just Canadian sports but also across the globe.
