By Kyle Arensdorf

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Sophomore center Dakari Johnson made it clear that there were two major aspects of his game he worked on in the offseason – his conditioning and his nutrition.

“I lost about 15 pounds (this offseason),” said Johnson, who was listed at 265 pounds last season. “Every time we went to meals (my coaches) would tell me what to order and what not to order – less carbs, less fried food.”

This new nutritious mindset allowed the 7-footer to run the floor for outlet passes at the Big Blue Bahamas Tour with an ease that was absent a season ago. And although it’s a small sample size, his statistics in the Bahamas reflect the work he’s put in.

“It helps me a lot,” he said. “I feel like I’m a lot lighter on my feet.”

Johnson also took the opportunity to commend his point guard, freshman Tyler Ulis, and his willingness to dish the ball on fast break opportunities.

“As a big man, it’s your job to run the floor, and why wouldn’t you when your guard is as unselfish as (Ulis),” he said.

During the 2013-14 season, Johnson averaged the lowest number of minutes per game among players in the main rotation, logging just over 14 per game.

In UK’s six games at the Big Blue Bahamas Tour, however, he averaged well over 20 minutes per game with his better-conditioned body and, as a result, increased his point total to 7.2 points per game.

Johnson is also one of the main benefactors of UK head coach John Calipari’s platoon-style offensive that he implemented in the Bahamas, in which two five-man rotations play for short – to – average time lengths.

“I thought it was a good system,” Johnson said. “You can go out there for four or five minutes and just burn all of your energy and then come out. That can really wear the opposing team out.”

Johnson’s best offensive outputs of the 2013-14 season (15 points each) came in two games – one against Louisiana State University in the regular season and the other in UK’s Sweet 16 win against Louisville.  Johnson also started 18 of the last 20 games, including every game in the postseason.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native remains the only true center on the team, but with seven players listed at 6-foot 8-inches or higher on the roster, he’ll be fighting for playing time just as hard as the forwards will be.

“It does drive me,” Johnson said. “Coach is going to play whoever is going to help win the game, so it’s really up to us.”