Syracuse's Wes Johnson Attending LeBron James Skills Academy

Syracuse forward Wes Johnson had to sit out the 2008-2009 per NCAA transfer rules, but he won't have to wait until the Orange's first game in the Carrier Dome to perform on a big stage.

Johnson was invited to participate in the LeBron James Skills Academy this week in Akron, Ohio.

He said he took part in the Vince Carter Skills Academy Jun. 23-25 in Orlando and was asked to attend LeBron's camp this week in Akron.

Nike invites the top 20 college and top 80 high school players from its four camps in late June (Deron Williams-point guards, Vince Carter-wing forwards, Paul Pierce-shooting guards, and Amare Stoudemire-big men) to LeBron's camp.

Yes, this is the same LeBron James Skills Academy that Jonny Flynn made a name for himself in last summer on the winning side of a pick-up game series versus a team headed by James and Chris Paul.

Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining.

The Iowa State transfer averaged 12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in two seasons with the Cyclones, but was hobbled most of his sophomore campaign with a stress fracture in his foot.

Random note: Johnson said he was working out with Vince Carter the night of the NBA Draft when Carter got the phone call informing him he was just traded to the Orlando Magic, and Carter was ecstatic.

Let the Wes Johnson hype officially begin among Syracuse fans. Haha.

My prediction for 2009-'10: 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds.