USC Basketball: Trojan Upperclassman Explains Strategy That Made Him Pac-12 All-Defense Selection

Returning Trojan Kobe Johnson knows what makes him different on defense.

Kobe Johnson won a Pac-12 All-Defense selection last year for the Trojans as he averaged an absurd 2.18 steals per game in 33 games for USC last year. 

His swarming and tenacious style of defense allows for turnovers constantly as the team went 22-11 on the year.

In a new documentary clip for USC men's hoops, the 6'6 forward explained why his ability on defense is different than others.

Your best scorer vs. our best defender.

We’ll take @iamkobejohnson every time. pic.twitter.com/ipcBH5E1JR

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) August 2, 2023

"The instincts part of it. I've always had those quick instincts of guessing where people are going to throw the ball," Johnson said.

Those instincts led to 73 steals on the season and Johnson and company know that he can improve that stats this upcoming year. Taking pride in his defense Johnson knows that one play on defense can set off a change in the game. 

The offensive side of the ball Johnson is no stranger to either. Being third in points averaging 9.2 points a game along with an impressive 36% from range. Johnson is a two-way threat that teams have to account for when prepping for the Trojans all year.

Returning to USC for his third year with the Trojans Johnson will watch his offensive tape to improve in that area, but he will take into special consideration his defensive tape and how he can step up his game for the future.

"I do watch a lot of film defensively. I know a lot of people will watch them offensively but I take pride in watching a lot of defensive film," Johnson said.

Johnson is getting ready for the best this year, hopefully, the best is also getting ready for Johnson.

"I want to come out every game and guard the best player and lock them up. I want to make that night a living hell for them," Johnson said.