B.J. Johnson to participate in NBA G-League Player Invitational

Former La Salle Explorers forward B.J. Johnson, former Temple Owls forward Obi Enechionyia and former St. Joseph’s guard James Demery will all be participating in the NBA G-League Player Invitational on Sunday, Aug. 12 in Chicago, Illinois.

The G-League made the announcement on Friday about the prospective players who received an invite.

For those who may be unfamiliar about the G-League’s Player Invitational, it is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents and skills in front of NBA G-League coaches, scouts, and player personnel with the hopes of earning either an NBA training camp invite or becoming eligible for the G-League draft.

Johnson, Enechionyia, and Demery could all excel in the NBA G-League next season if they put on a good show in Chicago later this week.

Out of three former Big 5 talents, Johnson and Enechionyia possibly have an inside track to earning an invite or playing in the G-League.

In terms of B.J. Johnson, the former La Salle standout spent the summer league with the Charlotte Hornets. In four summer league games, Johnson only averaged 5.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 11.0 minutes per game.

However, despite the limited action he saw out in Las Vegas, Johnson had an outstanding final two seasons at La Salle, putting himself on the map as a pro prospect.

The former Syracuse University transfer excelled his senior year averaging a career-high 20.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 35.2 minutes per game.

Johnson also shot 44.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three-point range on 4.8 attempts per game. The 6-foot-7 forward reportedly worked out for five teams during the draft process, so it is clear that the NBA interest is there.

Just like Johnson, Enechionyia also got some time to showcase his talents in the summer league. The former Temple Owl forward played with the Detroit Pistons.

In six games with Detroit, Enechionyia only averaged 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game.

Over his four-year career at Temple, the 6-foot-9 forward proved to be a consistent offensive option for head coach Fran Dunphy.

Enechionyia’s best season came as a junior, where he averaged a career-high 13.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 32.8 minutes per game.

Finally, there is Demery, who did not participate in the NBA’s summer circuit but had a solid college career at St. Joseph’s. The Charlotte, North Carolina native got better each season on Hawk Hill and it culminated in an impressive senior season.

Without the likes of Charlie Brown and Lamarr Kimble, Demery averaged a career-high 16.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 34.1 minutes per game. He also shot a blistering 47.7 percent from the field. 

Demery can get out in transition and has the athleticism to drive to the basket with ease. With the way that he plays, Demery would be a great fit in the NBA G-League. He could also use the opportunity to work on his three-point shot.

Nevertheless, all three players have a tremendous opportunity in front of them to continue their pro careers in the NBA’s minor league.