Ames, Iowa ? Iowa State coach Greg McDermott believes that Wesley Johnson took some of his coaching personally and couldn’t get past it. That, along with the frustration Johnson felt playing through an injury-plagued season at a new position, is why McDermott thinks Johnson has left the program.
McDermott addressed reporters Wednesday for the first time since Johnson – a rising star once seen as the “face of the program” – announced he would seek a transfer. Surrounded by his players, McDermott strongly disagreed with the notion that his relationship with Johnson had soured.
“My job is to help people grow on and off the court. Sometimes that involves doing things and saying things that may or may not be popular with an 18- or 19-year-old,” McDermott said.