2008 Woodie Awards
Former Rock basketball player signs pro deal
By Adam Brewer
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 10/14/05 Section: Sports
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Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 180-pound point guard, was one of the first two players signed by the Aviators.
"It has always been a dream to go to that next level," Johnson said. "Getting paid to play basketball is a great feeling."
Johnson played three seasons for the Rock, beginning with the 2001-2002 season and ending with the 2003-2004 season. Prior to attending SRU, Johnson played for Ohio University Southern. Johnson played high school basketball at Cleveland Heights in University Heights, Ohio.
Johnson was described as quick and a defensive-minded player when he played for the Rock. He was a consistent player in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
In his senior year, Johnson played in all 27 games for the Rock and started 17 of those games. Johnson shot 41 percent from the field for the season and averaged 4.3 points per game. Johnson led the Rock with 77 assists as he grabbed 87 total rebounds and had 29 steals on the season.
Johnson had four points, four assists and two steals in 22 minutes in an 89-80 victory over Lock Haven in his last Rock basketball game.
After taking some time off, Johnson averaged 20 points and 10 assists per game and led the 2005 Aviators summer league team to a 6-0 record.
"I want to play and I want to lead my team to the top," Johnson said. "I want to go out there every game and play my best."
Bryant Lewandowski, coach and general manager for the Aviators, said he was impressed with Johnson's ability to play basketball at that next level.
"Recently during veterans camp I brought in Earl Boykins of the Denver Nuggets to help evaluate Dave," Lewandowski said. "Dave and Earl battled it out in 5-on-5 games for about two hours, and I can say that Dave had earned the respect of Earl. The showing against Earl along with Dave's summer league statistics with an undefeated team was also very impressing."
Lewandowski said he projected that Johnson might end up in the NBA one day.
"I don't know how much recognition Dave received in high school or college, but he has been very impressive with the Ohio Aviators," Lewandowski said. "I truly think that Dave will be the second player to play in the NBA from Slippery Rock University."
The only other player to make it to the NBA from SRU is Myron Brown, who played from 1987-1990 for the Rock. Brown was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 1991 NBA Draft. Brown appeared in only four games in the 1992 season and scored nine points coming off the bench.
"Hey, this can possibly be a stepping stone for the NBA, but I'm happy right now and I'm just focusing on the season," Johnson said.
The Aviators start the 2005 regular season at the Detroit Wheels Nov. 5. The Aviators' first home game of the season will be Nov. 26 against the Lake Erie Rockers at the Canton Civic Center.
