STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State junior guard Dior Johnson became the first Texan to be named the WAC's Player and Newcomer of the Week following his performance for the week of Nov. 10-16, the league conference office announced on Monday afternoon.
 
Johnson earned the Texans' first WAC Weekly Award since Lue Williams was named WAC Player of the Week on Feb. 5, 2024. He is the first Texan to win Newcomer of the Week since Devon Barnes earned the distinction on Feb. 26. He is the only Texan to win both WAC Player and Newcomer in the same week since the league started acknowledging both honors ahead of the 2023-24 season.
 
The junior made national waves tying the NCAA individual single game high and scoring the most by a WAC player this season with a 42-point effort at Baylor. He became one of just three players to score at least 40 points in a single NCAA D1 game this season. Johnson is the only one out of the three to reach that threshold coming off the bench and by playing less than 35 minutes. The Kingsport, NY, native, is the first player this season to score at least 40 against a Power Four opponent. Last season, six players scored at least 40 points against a Power Four Conference opponent.

"Dior had a fantastic night," said head coach Billy Gillispie post game at Baylor "He didn't get much help, but Dior had a tremendous offensive performance. It was an unbelievable offensive performance for him."
 
Johnson set numerous records in his performance against Baylor. He set the new Tarleton State D1 era record for single game points, field goals made (17) and field goal attempts (24). All-time he ranks fourth in single game points, fourth in field goals attempted and fifth in field goals made. He also set the record for most points scored by an opposing player at Baylor's arena, Foster Pavilion.
 
Last week, Johnson averaged 24.0 points per game across the Texans' 1-1 week. He started the week with six points at home against Merrimack. He also added two assists, a steal and a rebound against the Warriors. Johnson led the WAC in points per game on the week.
 
After last week's performance, Johnson ranks ninth in the nation in total points this season. He leads the WAC in total points and points per game, where he ranks 48^th in the nation. Johnson is also 11th in the NCAA in field goals made and is second in the WAC. He also ranks third in the WAC and 29^th in the nation in free throws made.
 
Tarleton State is back in action with a pair of games this week. The Texans start the week at home tonight against their most played opponent and former Lone Star Conference rival, Angelo State. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. from the EECU Center.