The 2009/2010 season is about to start for clubs across the world. Veteran big man from Ohio State, Ken Johnson is currently without a team. Johnson, age 31, left his last club, Telekom Baskets Bonn (German BBL) over the summer, and according to rumors is considering retirement. If Ken has indeed played his last season of basketball, it is certainly time for a career salute.
Most remember Ken Johnson best from his time at The Ohio State University. A shot blocking machine, Johnson earned numerous NCAA defensive awards, and in his sophomore year helped guide Ohio State to the 1999 Final Four.
Professionally, Johnson was the consummate Buckeye big man of the 2000-2009 decade. While limited offensively, Johnson's defensive prowess would prove to have consistent value for a multitude of clubs. Ken would only play a short stint in the NBA, but that did not stop him from having a solid pro career in the U.S & international minor leagues. Blessed with good health, Ken was able to enjoy longevity by simply doing what he has always done, block shots, provide help D, and rebound. Teams always knew what they were going to get from Ken Johnson.
Ohio State Accolades
- Was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons
- Is the all-time leader in blocked shots in both Ohio State and Big Ten history
- In 44 of his 127 career games he recorded five or more blocks
- As a senior in the 2000-01 season, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after averaging career highs of 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds
- Scored a career-high 28 points at Minnesota on Feb. 3, 2001 and matched his career high in rebounds with 14 vs. Utah State on Mar. 15, 2001 in the NCAA Tournament
- Served as a team co-captain as a senior and was the recipient of the 2001 Ohio State Jerry Lucas Most Valuable Player Award
- His 161 blocks in 1999-2000 was the fifth highest single-season total in NCAA history
- Recorded a career high and Ohio State record 11 blocked shots at St. John’s on Jan. 22, 2000 and tied the mark against Iowa on Feb. 9, 2000
- As a sophomore, earned OSU’s Most Improved Player Award and helped guide the Buckeyes to the Final Four
Post Ohio State Time line
-20th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, failed to make the Heat. Played 2001/2002 season with the Dakota Wizards in the CBA and Air Avellino in Italy's Serie A.
-2002/2003: Resigned by the Miami Heat, played in 16 games.
-Participates at the Toronto Raptors 2003 training camp. Plays 2003/2004 season with the Huntsville Flight of the NBA D-League.
-2004/2005: Bourg (France Pro A League)
-Participates at the Orlando Magic Training game, plays the 2005/2006 & 2006/2007 seasons with the New Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA D-league. Wins the 2005/2006 D-League Championship.
-2007/2008: Deutsche Bank Skyliners (German BBL)
-2008/2009: Telekom Baskets Bonn (German BBL)
Keep up the good work. I have been wondering what happened to some of these guys.
ReplyDeleteKenny Johnson is great actor. I have watched is performance in the Saving Grace tv show and in this serial he worked worked very nice.
ReplyDeleteHes a teacher now at my school frankling heights high school
ReplyDeleteI was a substitute teacher for 5 years. I am now a salesman at Toyota West Ohio. Come see me if you are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle and ask for me only.(614) 385-1503 Ken Johnson Go bucks.
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