New basketball coach takes reins

Submitted by Jamie Schanback
Phone: (907) 474-6807
06/19/07

Clemon "Clem"? Johnson was more than a little eager to jump into his first college head coaching job.

Johnson arrived in Fairbanks at 2 a.m. on June 11. Seven hours later, despite being without most of his luggage, he walked into the Patty Center for his first day as the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ interim men’s basketball coach. A day later, he was fielding questions from local media during a news conference introducing him to the community.

"I haven’t stopped smiling since I’ve been informed of the opportunity,"? Johnson told reporters during the event.

Johnson takes on leadership of the Nanooks following the departure of former coach Frank Ostanik. He has more than 25 years of basketball experience, including 15 years as a professional player. He spent 10 years in the NBA, from 1978-88, followed by five years in the Italian Professional League (1988-93). Johnson was a member of the 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers team that captured the National Basketball Association championship title.

"Coach Johnson brings exceptional qualifications and experiences that will make him a valuable asset to the university and the greater Fairbanks community,"? said Forrest Karr, UAF athletics director.

Following his NBA career, Johnson opted to play internationally, where he made several contacts that he utilizes today. Johnson’s son, Chad, who played Division I basketball and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002, will be attending a professional team camp in Italy next month.

"He has contacts that will help our players receive opportunities after college,"? said Karr.

After retiring from his playing days, Johnson opted to pursue other opportunities in the sport and began his coaching career at the high school level. He coached at two high schools in Florida over an eight-year span, compiling a high school head coaching record of 184-60.

Collectively he led his teams to three High School Sweet 16 or better appearances and seven district championship titles. In 2004, he was named the Big Bend Regional Coach of the Year after guiding East Gadsden High School to a 27-4 season (2003-04).

He has also served as the bench boss for two semi-professional teams, the Jacksonville Wave and the Florida Thrill, guiding the Thrill to a regular season championship and amassing a 16-2 coaching record.

"Clemon has received many individual accolades,"? Karr said, "but more importantly, each team he has coached has been successful."?

In 2006, Johnson participated in an Internship with the Atlanta Hawks gaining valuable operations experience in the 2006 NBA draft, player practices, the Utah Summer League, ticket sales and marketing of Philips Arena.

An astute scholar off the court, Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in sports management at Florida A&M University where, as a collegiate player, the 6-foot-10 center laced up his sneakers for the Rattlers from 1974-1978.

"He understands that the term student-athlete places student first for a reason,"? said Karr. "He has a deep-rooted commitment to academics."?

Johnson is a member of the Florida A&M University Athletics Hall of Fame and still holds several Rattler records, including most rebounds in a game (25), a season (412) and a career (1,494). He is also 14th overall for career scoring with 1,381 points in 109 games.

"Clemon has been involved with playing and coaching basketball at high levels and has shown a pattern of success,"? Karr said. "He has a proven track record of developing young men into productive members of society."?