Feb. 22, 2008
FAIRBANKS, AK- Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Forrest Karr announced on Friday that Clemon Johnson has been named the head men's basketball coach for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, effective immediately. Johnson served as an interim head coach for the Alaska Nanooks this season, coaching the team to a 4-18 record after coming to Fairbanks last May.
"Clemon was brought into a very challenging situation this year and handled it in a professional manner," Karr said. "He has a proven track record of developing young men into valuable members of society, and I have received positive feedback about his mentoring as interim head coach from parents, student-athletes and other representatives of athletics interests."
Johnson brings over 25 years of basketball experience to the Nanooks, including 15 years of professional playing experience in the NBA and the Italian Professional League. In addition to stints with the Portland Trailblazers, Indiana Pacers and Seattle Supersonics, Johnson was a member of the NBA championship-winning Philadelphia 76ers team in 1982-83, where he played alongside the likes of Julius "Dr. J" Erving and league MVP Moses Malone.
Prior to joining the Nanooks, Johnson spent eight years coaching at the high school level, where he would compile an overall head coaching record of 184-60 at two Florida high schools. Johnson would lead his teams to three High School Sweet 16's and seven district championship titles, and in 2004, earned the Big Bend Regional Coach of the Year award after guiding East Gadsden High School to a 27-4 season in 2003-04.
Johnson has also coached two semi-professional teams, the Jacksonville Wave and Florida Thrill, guiding the latter to a regular season championship and a 16-2 record, as well as serving as an assistant coach at Florida A&M University.
Besides his wealth of basketball experience, however, Johnson brings a great deal to the Nanooks organization off the court as well.
"Clemon has shown a real passion for community service, starting the Jefferson County Boys and Girls Club in Monticello, Florida and performing numerous speaking engagements within the Fairbanks community since his arrival last summer," Karr said.
Johnson has demonstrated his commitment to academic as well, earning a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in sports management from Florida A&M University.
With the interim tag removed, Johnson will lead the Nanooks back to the hardcourt on Saturday, as they take on Great Northwest Athletic Conference foes Montana State Billings in a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.
