Wesley Johnson is the epitome of what a transfer can do if given the right opportunity. By joining Syracuse after playing two years at Iowa State, he had the chance to be great. Johnson more than lived up that expectation.
In his one year, Johnson became one of the best small forwards the Orange has ever seen. He could hit the three and mid-range with ease. On defense, his long wingspan constantly disrupted and he blocked multiple shots a game. More importantly, his rebounds led to multiple opportunities to score in the transition game.
In his one season in Orange, he would average 16.5 points, 2.2 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 8.5 rebounds per game. He would be named Big East Player of the Year, as well as be selected to the All-Big East First Team, and AP All-American First Team. In addition, he helped lead the Orange to a 30-5 record and the Sweet 16.
At the end of the 2009-2010 season, he would declare for the NBA Draft and be selected in the 1st round with the fourth overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He would go onto start for them for two years and be a role player for the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Wes Johnson may have been one of the best Orange players ever had he played for them longer, but fans are more than content with the one year they had him. His legacy is how he was a superstar on both sides of the court and helped lead Syracuse into the next decade of great Syracuse basketball teams.