Varese basketball, coach Matt Brase unveils latest reinforcement

Jaron Johnson in Matt Brase’s court

Varese Basketball, on Wednesday afternoon, September 14, presented in a press conference the reinforcement arrived from UNICS Kazan, Jaron Johnson, who will be immediately available to the new coach of the Lombardi: Matt Brase.

“I am happy to introduce Jaron Johnson, a player I have already had the pleasure of coaching and I am glad to have him by my side again in this new adventure in Varese. He is a level player who can do just about everything on both ends of the court and has a passion for basketball that goes beyond what happens on the court. I am sure that when the games start, especially the ones that count, he will show everyone his leadership skills with both younger and more experienced teammates. Defensively, he can mark different roles in many situations; on the other hand, in attack, as you have already seen in the first two friendlies, he has great talent and very good fundamentals that can keep opposing defenses in apprehension. Role? I don’t like to label players by role; there are five basketball players on the court who will play basketball. From time to time then we will go and evaluate all the different situations,” explained the former Portland Trail-Blazers assistant coach.

“I’m honored to be in Varese; after several European experiences away from the U.S. I came to Italy and I’m looking forward to bring all my experience and skills to the parquet. I tell everyone, especially the fans, I expect you at the arena when there are games to make as much noise as possible in our favor. For me this is a new experience and I like to test myself; that’s why when there was the opportunity to come to Italy I practically didn’t hesitate pushed also by finding coach Brase with whom I never lost contact over the years,” the U.S. player said then.

“The first approach with an Italian team was on Saturday against Milan and I don’t have to be the one to say how strong Olimpia is; however, it was a very important test for our team that is about to take part in a league that is anyway as long as the Italian one. Of the city I have seen practically nothing yet, but I promise I will visit it as soon as we have a little more time. Me as a leader? That’s something I’ve matured over the years and I think I can do it, even raising my voice to be heard if necessary. I am ready to help my teammates,” concluded the 1992-class guard.