HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

by Nicole Auerbach, USA TODAY Sports

CHARLOTTE — Reggie Johnson weighed 330 pounds when he arrived at Miami (Fla.) four years ago.

Now, the senior center says he’s down to 290, five pounds off the weight he’d like to be this season.

“You’ve got a better chance at going into the draft at 285 than 330,” Johnson said at Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball media day Wednesday. “The way the game is played right now it’s up and down. … The more I lose weight the better the chances I can up my stock and get drafted.”

Shedding pounds has been tough for Johnson.

“Sometimes, after a game you want to go to Friday’s,” Johnson said. “(My teammates) eat cheeseburgers. It’s about discipline. It boils down to that. I’m a disciplined guy.”

While friends and teammates order their burgers, Johnson orders salads or grilled chicken sandwiches.

“These guys keep me disciplined,” Johnson said. “They know what it takes. They tell me, ‘Reg, don’t eat that. You don’t need that.’ I drink water instead of lemonade. I get water. I’m a big fan of water now. At first, I hated water. Now you see me, and I’ve got water in my hand.”

A couple of years ago, then-Miami coach Frank Haith introduced Johnson to Dexter Pittman, who weighed more than 380 in high school. Pittman has since lost more than 100 pounds and was taken by the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2010 NBA draft.

Johnson said he and Pittman are good friends — “like brothers” — and they spend time together in south Florida. Pittman’s weight loss has motivated Johnson.

“Big Dex had the same problem in college, and he looks awesome,” Johnson said. “I can see myself doing the same exact thing.

“I see him doing it, man. He’s at where I want to be at. He’s in the NBA.”

… [For more on Miami hoops player's diet: 'I'm a big fan of water now', click here.]