Hawkeye John Johnson: Iowa Time Machine January 7, 2016

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On January 7, 2016, legendary Iowa hooper John Johnson passed away. A prolific scorer who played the game with fluid grace, Johnson left a legacy of excellence on the hardwood for the Hawkeyes.

Johnson, born October 18, 1947, in Carthage, Mississippi, played high school basketball at Messmer High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a senior, he helped lead Messmer to the Wisconsin state title in 1966. After attending Northwest College in Wyoming, Johnson transferred to the University of Iowa. He set an Iowa record for points in a season during his senior year, averaging 27.9 points per game. The era featured no three-point line and no shot clock, making his scoring feats even more remarkable.

The Hawkeyes averaged 98.7 points per game for the season, 102.9 in Big Ten play. This offensive explosion occurred during nine years when the slam dunk was banned in college basketball. Coach Ralph Miller had assembled what became known as the "Miller Six Pack," rotating essentially six players who would carry the team. The 1969-70 Hawkeyes finished 14-0 in the Big Ten, the only Iowa squad ever to make it through the league without a loss. That team went 14-0 in Big Ten play and clinched the title in a thrilling 108-107 comeback win over second-place Purdue, despite Rick Mount's 61 points for the Boilermakers. Johnson still holds the school's high mark for most points scored in a game at 49, against Northwestern on February 24, 1970. The season ended painfully when Jacksonville's Pembrook Burrows tipped in a buzzer-beating basket to eliminate Iowa 104-103 in the NCAA Tournament.

Johnson was drafted seventh overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970 NBA Draft. He became the first Cavaliers player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game, earning selections in 1971 and 1972. He had a productive 12-year career with four NBA teams, making two All-Star Game appearances and averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. His greatest professional achievement came with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he reunited with Iowa teammate Fred "Downtown" Brown. Johnson and former Iowa teammate Fred Brown led the SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA title. #Iowa #OTD #History #Hawkeyes #CollegeBasketball