Justin Johnson (basketball)

Justin Johnson (born May 23, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for Reggio Emilia of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He played college basketball for Western Kentucky.

Justin Johnson
No. 23 – Pallacanestro Reggiana
PositionPower forward
LeagueLega Basket Serie A
Personal information
Born (1996-05-23) May 23, 1996
NationalityAmerican
Listed height2.00 m (6 ft 7 in)
Listed weight108 kg (238 lb)
Career information
High school
CollegeWestern Kentucky (2014–2018)
NBA draft2018 / Undrafted
Playing career2018–present
Career history
2018–2019Dinamo Cagliari
2019-2020Pistoia
2020-presentReggio Emilia
Career highlights and awards

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]

References
  1. Peck, Jared (December 12, 2018). "'It's a joke.' Former player defends suspended Kentucky high school basketball coach". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  2. "2013-14 ALL-USA Kentucky Boys Basketball Team". USATodayHSS.com. April 25, 2014. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  3. Phillips, Jonah (May 21, 2015). "Hilltopper basketball roster sees summer shake-up". College Heights Herald. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  4. "WKU's Johnson named to preseason All-C-USA 3rd team". ESPNKY.com. September 28, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  5. "WKU's Justin Johnson a second team all-Conference USA selection". WBKO.com. March 6, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  6. Porter, Sam (April 3, 2017). "Justin Johnson's transition to football shouldn't come as a surprise". College Heights Herald. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  7. Bishop, Chad (August 6, 2017). "Justin Johnson rejoins WKU basketball team". WBKO.com. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  8. "Former Commodore signs pro contract with Italy's Cagliari Dinamo Academy". WYMT.com. July 14, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  9. "Johnson signs pro contract with Cagliari Dinamo Academy". The Daily News. July 16, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  10. Hope, Willie (July 13, 2019). "Perry Central and WKU Standout Justin Johnson signs second pro contract in Italy". WYMT.com. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  11. Carchia, Emiliano (July 11, 2019). "Pistoia signing Justin Johnson". Sportando. NanoPress. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  12. "UNAHOTELS, firmato Justin Johnson" (in Italian). pallacanestroreggiana.it. 19 August 2020.
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