PHOTO/TROY HULL

Johnson C. Smith forward Stedmon Lemon leads the Golden Bulls in scoring at 20.2 points per game.

Stedmon Lemon thought he knew it all.

In Lemon’s first season at Johnson C. Smith, the junior college transfer flashed brilliant offensive skills to earn all-CIAA recognition but didn’t always buy into coach Steve Joyner’s team-first concept. So, Lemon thought long and hard about his role with the Golden Bulls and decided to become more coachable.

“Last year I had a lot to say back,” he said. “This year, I’m trying to take a lot more in and trying to listen to become a better player because at the end of the day, I need him more than he needs me.”

The change in attitude is paying dividends. Lemon, a senior forward, is hitting half of his field goal tries (39-of-78) and leads the Golden Bulls in scoring (20.2 points per game). He’s second on the team in assists with 18.

“Stedmon is highly motivated and at his growing edge,” Joyner said. “He just has to temper that with patience and composure. Sometimes he gets a little too fast and he wants to take on too much, but if he continues to learn that offensive balance and play more consistent on defense, he can be a special player for us this year.”

Lemon’s best game to date was a 30-point, 10-rebound effort in an 81-78 win against Benedict in last week’s Tip-Off Classic. He was especially clutch down the stretch, hitting four free throws in the final minute to cap the win. It earned him the CIAA player of the week award.

“I’m just in the mindset of trying to be a leader,” Lemon said. “Just try to be a leader, keep my team focused.”

Joyner’s noticed the evolution as well, praising Lemon’s focus on becoming a more complete player on both ends of the court.

“Stedmon is certainly trying to be a facilitator for us and a leader,” Joyner said. “Sometimes he gets himself in trouble offensively because he tries to facilitate too much at the wrong times, but he’s still developing, he’s still learning when to, when not to and once he gets that good balance down I think he’s going to do an even better job.”

If the first five games are an indication of what’s to come, Lemon’s on the right track. All it took was a change in attitude and commitment.

“Coming back, I wanted to listen more to what coach Joyner has to say,” he said. “He’s a great coach. He just got his 500th win, so he knows what he’s talking about. He’s hard on me, but I’m trying to accept it and listen more.”

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