Justin Johnson (basketball) explained

Justin Johnson
Height M:2.00
Weight Kg:108
League:Basketball Bundesliga
Team:Riesen Ludwigsburg
Number:23
Birth Date:23 May 1996
Birth Place:Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.
High School:
College:Western Kentucky (2014–2018)
Draft Year:2018
Career Start:2018
Years1:2018–2019
Team1:Dinamo Cagliari
Years2:2019–2020
Team2:Pistoia
Years3:2020–2022
Team3:Reggio Emilia
Years4:2022–present
Team4:Riesen Ludwigsburg
Highlights:

Justin Blake Johnson (born May 23, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). He played college basketball for Western Kentucky.

Early life and high school

Johnson grew up in Inez, Kentucky and initially attended Sheldon Clark High School in Inez. He transferred to Perry County Central High School after his sophomore year to follow Sheldon Clark's head coach, Kevin Spurlock.[1] As a senior, Johnson averaged 21.9 points and 17.6 rebounds per game and was named to the first team All-State by the Associated Press and the Lexington Herald-Leader.[2]

College career

Johnson played four seasons for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He was a key reserve for the team as a true freshman, averaging 4.8 points (fifth on the team) and 4.1 rebounds (third) per game.[3] He became a starter for WKU as a sophomore, leading the team with 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in 34 games played (26 starts).[4] He led the team again in points per game with 14.5 and led Conference USA in rebounding with 9.4 per game and in double-doubles with 14 and was named second team All-Conference USA.[5]

After the season, Johnson left the basketball program to join the school's football team as a tight end.[6] He ultimately left the football team during summer training camp to return to basketball for his senior season.[7] In his senior season, Johnson again lead the Hilltoppers with 15.7 points per game and also repeated as the conference leader with 9.4 rebounds per game and was named first team All-Conference USA.[8]

Professional career

Dinamo Academy Cagliari

Johnson signed with Dinamo Academy Cagliari of Serie A2 Basket on July 16, 2018.[9] In his first professional season, Johnson averaged 16.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 29 games played.[10]

Pistoia

Johnson signed with Pistoia of Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) on July 11, 2019.[11] The 2019–20 season had a disastrous ending: it got interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and saw Pistoia relegated in the Serie A2 for the 2020–21 season.

Reggio Emilia

Johnson remained in Italy also for the 2020–21 season, signing a one-year deal with Reggio Emilia.[12] He inked a two-year extension with the team on July 21, 2021.[13]

Riesen Ludwigsburg

On July 15, 2022, he has signed with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).[14]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: 'It's a joke.' Former player defends suspended Kentucky high school basketball coach.. Jared. Peck. Lexington Herald-Leader. December 12, 2018. October 3, 2019.
  2. Web site: 2013-14 ALL-USA Kentucky Boys Basketball Team. USATodayHSS.com. April 25, 2014. October 3, 2019.
  3. News: Hilltopper basketball roster sees summer shake-up. Jonah. Phillips. College Heights Herald. May 21, 2015. October 3, 2019.
  4. Web site: WKU's Johnson named to preseason All-C-USA 3rd team. ESPNKY.com. September 28, 2016. October 3, 2019. October 18, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161018133558/https://espnky.com/wkus-johnson-named-to-preseason-all-c-usa-3rd-team/. dead.
  5. Web site: WKU's Justin Johnson a second team all-Conference USA selection. WBKO.com. March 6, 2017. October 3, 2019.
  6. News: Justin Johnson's transition to football shouldn't come as a surprise. Sam. Porter. College Heights Herald. April 3, 2017. October 3, 2019. July 11, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170711031039/https://wkuherald.com/sports/football/justin-johnson-s-transition-to-football-shouldn-t-come-as/article_6bc3f340-83d7-55ef-8e90-00a2d23f9747.html. dead.
  7. Web site: Justin Johnson rejoins WKU basketball team. Chad. Bishop. WBKO.com. August 6, 2017. October 3, 2019.
  8. Web site: Former Commodore signs pro contract with Italy's Cagliari Dinamo Academy. WYMT.com. July 14, 2018. October 3, 2019.
  9. Web site: Johnson signs pro contract with Cagliari Dinamo Academy. The Daily News. July 16, 2018. October 3, 2019.
  10. Web site: Perry Central and WKU Standout Justin Johnson signs second pro contract in Italy. Willie. Hope. WYMT.com. July 13, 2019. October 3, 2019.
  11. Web site: Pistoia signing Justin Johnson. Emiliano. Carchia. Sportando. NanoPress. July 11, 2019. October 3, 2019.
  12. Web site: UNAHOTELS, firmato Justin Johnson . pallacanestroreggiana.it . 19 August 2020 . Italian .
  13. Web site: Justin Blake Johnson re-signs with Pallacanestro Reggiana . Sportando . July 22, 2021 . July 21, 2021.
  14. Web site: MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg officially signs Justin Johnson. July 15, 2022. Sportando. En. August 6, 2022.