In the Big Sky Conference, every team searching for consistency amidst the grind of conference play needs a player who can remain steady the moment when the pressure rises. For the Idaho Vandals (12-8, 4-3), Biko Johnson has emerged as a top option late in games.
The Carson, California, native has found his rhythm at exactly the right time for Idaho, delivering three straight 20-point performances, including two in just 48 hours last week against Sacramento State and Portland State.
Johnson transferred to Idaho from Division II Fort Lewis College, where he was a do-it-all guard for the Skyhawks. In his lone season there, Johnson played in all 31 games and averaged 16.3 points per game, ranking second in the RMAC. He shot 39.8% from the field and 35.4% from three for the Skyhawks, while also contributing 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, finishing second in the conference in steals.
With the absence of last year’s leading scorer, Kristian Gonzalez, the Vandals have increasingly looked to Johnson to create a spark. Johnson is third on the team with 13.6 points per game, and is one of four Vandals who average double figures. He’s hit 39 three-pointers in 20 games at a 33.9% clip and is shooting just under 40% from the floor overall. But his impact stretches beyond scoring. Johnson has already recorded 30 steals, establishing himself as one of Idaho’s best on-ball defenders and a constant source of disruption on the perimeter.
Against Sacramento State on Jan. 22, Johnson played a major role in helping Idaho secure an 86-76 home victory. With the Vandals needing a steady offense in the second half, Johnson delivered, finishing with 20 points and four assists. He helped Idaho maintain control as the Hornets pushed to keep the game within reach.
Facing Portland State just two days later, the Vandals were locked in a tight battle down the stretch. Johnson poured in 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, but his biggest moment came late. With Idaho trailing, he fought through contact to drill a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit to 65-64.
Entering the Portland State matchup, the Vandals were 6-0 when Johnson scored 20 or more. Head coach Alex Pribble has taken notice of Johnson’s late-game presence.
“Biko Johnson is turning into a closer,” Pribble said. “He can make plays down the stretch.”
For a senior who took an unconventional path from Division II standout to Division I difference-maker, Johnson increasingly seems to be exactly what the Vandals needed this season.