Gus Johnson

Lore & Background

Johnson was born in Akron, Ohio, and won a city championship for Central-Hower High School. He played in the Amateur Athletic Union and industrial leagues before being recruited to Boise Junior College in 1961 at age 23. He transferred to the University of Idaho in 1962, averaging 19 points and 20 rebounds per game in his only season. He was selected 11th in the 1963 NBA draft by the Chicago Zephyrs (who became the Baltimore Bullets). He averaged 17.3 points and 13 rebounds as a rookie, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting and making the All-Rookie Team. He was a five-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA Second Team, and two-time All-Defensive First Team. Knee injuries took their toll by 1970; he played through injuries as the Bullets reached the 1971 NBA Finals. After knee surgery, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in June 1972, playing 21 games before being released. He was picked up by the Indiana Pacers in December 1972, averaging six points in 50 games as the team reached the ABA Finals. In Game 7, he played 13 minutes and grabbed six rebounds as the Pacers won, giving Johnson his only championship. His number 25 was retired by the Bullets in 1986. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

In Their Own Story

The arena buzzed with anticipation as Gus Johnson took the floor, his jersey bearing the colors of the Bullets. The crowd roared as he caught an outlet pass near mid-court, driving past two defenders with a burst of speed that seemed impossible for a man of his size. With the net in sight, he leaped, hanging in the air just long enough to seal off the shot before slamming the ball home. The rim shook, and Johnson landed with a grin, pointing to the stands—a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that captured the spirit of the team.

Reader's Guide

Johnson was known as a lethal inside scorer who shattered three backboards in his NBA career, and a key defender. His nickname 'Honeycomb' was given by Idaho coach Joe Cipriano because of his sweet play. He had a rivalry with Jerry Lucas, feeling he was at least Lucas's equal. Johnson's high school teammate was fellow Hall of Famer Nate Thurmond.

Did You Know?

• Johnson once scored 65 points in a single high school game.
• He was the first black athlete at Boise Junior College.
• Johnson read the Bible frequently and cited Samson as an inspiration.
• He averaged 19.0 points and 20.3 rebounds per game at Idaho.