'Magic Johnson loved him': MSU's Alize Johnson expects to be picked during the NBA Draft

Alize Johnson expects to break down if he hears his name called during the NBA Draft on Thursday night.

He's gone through a lot of adversity. He didn't meet NCAA requirements out of high school causing him to attend a junior college. He didn't play at the biggest of colleges — having attended Missouri State the last two seasons.

But at a community event in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he believes all the adversity will pay off when he achieves his dream of being selected by an NBA team.

"I've put in a lot of work throughout my life to be here in this position," Johnson said in a phone interview with the News-Leader. "I'm very confident. We'll see how it goes. I'm trying to make my dream come true — speak it into existence."

More: 5 things to know about Missouri State NBA Draft prospect Alize Johnson

Johnson can become the first Bear selected since the legendary Winston Garland was picked during the 1987 NBA Draft.

Recent mock drafts leading up to Thursday have placed Johnson near the end of the second round or have him undrafted. Still, Johnson said he thinks he will be drafted.

"I feel like I'm being overlooked a little bit," Johnson said. "A lot of teams know what I can do. I'm just grateful to be in this position and see how it goes. Just having the opportunity to go out there and compete with the best of the best is good enough for me."

Ever since the end of May's NBA Combine, Johnson's road to the draft has had him in different cities trying out for teams all over the country.

Recent social media posts have shown Johnson in Houston, Indiana, Detroit and New York City among others.

A photo surfaced of Johnson with Los Angeles Lakers legend and President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson — which was the only time the MSU star said he was almost starstruck.

More: Growing up as the man of the house, Alize Johnson has worked for everything he's earned

Chris Gaston has been training Johnson, Wichita State's Landry Shamet and Miami's Lonnie Walker throughout the draft process. He also works with De'Aaron Fox, who was selected fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2017.

Gaston told the News-Leader that Johnson's "infectious personality" will do well for him going into Thursday.

"I know Magic Johnson loved him," Gaston said. "Every NBA team that I've talked to just loved him as a person and that's going to bode well for him."

Out of all the players Gaston has worked with, he said no one has had a motor like the former Bear.

Gaston believes Johnson has a realistic chance at going anywhere from the No. 25 overall pick to the No. 60 pick.

"Just his effort and mentality and motor towards the game is towards the top," Gaston said. "He's not the most physically talented athlete — he's not going to do 360 dunks and windmills but he's going to outwork the guy doing the 360 windmills."

More: Only 3 other players have done what Alize Johnson has done twice this season

Johnson is similar to Golden State Warriors three-time All-Star Draymond Green, according to Gaston. They're not the flashiest players on the court, but they're the grittiest.

"They're a jack of all trades," Gaston said. "Alize can really do everything on the court."

As Johnson watches the draft from Pennsylvania, he'll be surrounded by his family — including his mom and six younger siblings.

He wants to continue to be a role model for them. It's something his trainer has learned from getting to know him.

"I know he'll make it because he's fighting for something," Gaston said. "He gets it. Some people don't get it but he gets it. He understands the task ahead and I'm proud of him."

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As the draft nears, Johnson thinks he's proven himself with his play during the combine and various workouts.

He has the support of his former coaches. Johnson said he makes sure to check in with former MSU head coach Paul Lusk, former assistants Matt Sligh and Keith Pickens along with current associate head coach Corey Gipson.

Johnson said there's no place like Missouri State and he's hopeful his family and former teammates will find some inspiration from his result this week.

"I wish for the best for all the guys there," Johnson said. "As they see this happen for me on Thursday, I hope they continue to work for the dreams they set."