Overton praises development of Darius Johnson-Odom, Adonis Thomas

The Springfield Armor will try for their fourth straight Friday night, their only winning streak of the season.  It has to be a relief for Doug Overton, who is in his first head coaching job after four years as a Nets assistant.

In an interview with the Springfield Republican, Overton credits the improvement mostly to Darius Johnson-Odom, the ex-Laker signed last month, and the development of Adonis Thomas, the Nets 20-year-old development project.

"They said he wasn't a point guard. He's running our point," Overton said. "He's learning how to be a point. He's getting almost a triple-double. While you want to win and compete, you also want these guys to develop and get better."

The 6'3" DJO has averaged 22.1 points and 4.7 assists per game - both team highs - and is now ranked fourth on the D-League Prospect Watch.

Of Thomas, Overton said, "Adonis is 20 years old. Look at the shots he's taking. Look at the way he's improving."

The 6'7" forward is averaging 13.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 46.2 percent overall and 47.5 percent from deep.

• Darius Johnson-Odom developing into a reliable point guard for Springfield Armor - Jason Remillard - Springfield Republican