Alumnus Johnson '10 '16 Returning To Men's Basketball Staff

Will Serve In New Role To Provide Additional Mentorship To Student-Athletes Both On & Off The Court

10/1/2020 3:30:00 PM

By: By Mike Miranto, Sr. Associate A.D. for External Operations & Communications

AMHERST, N.Y. - Alumnus David "DJ" Johnson '10 '16 will return for his third stint on the Daemen College men's basketball coaching staff as he's been appointed the director of player development for the 2020-21 season, head coach Mike MacDonald announced today. The part-time position, funded entirely by external revenue sources, is new to MacDonald's staff. In this role, Johnson will assist with the on-court skill development of each men's basketball player, while also focusing on mentoring and guiding them in areas away from basketball.

"There are very few people who love Daemen College and Daemen Basketball as much as David Johnson," MacDonald said. "DJ is also very passionate about seeing young men reach their potential, both on and off the court. The role he'll have with our program moving forward will combine his passions for Daemen College, basketball and the well-rounded development of young men.

I have had the privilege of knowing DJ since 2005 when we recruited him for Canisius College. In the 15 years since we first met, I have watched DJ grow from a high school kid into a husband, a father and a Daemen alum. He is a special person, and I can't think of a better role model and mentor for our guys than David Johnson. We are lucky to have him working with our student-athletes."

Johnson is no stranger to the Daemen men's basketball program. He was a standout player for the Wildcats from 2008-10, twice earning All-American Mideast Conference honors. In 58 games, he made 54 starts and totaled 814 points and 269 rebounds while leading the team to 38-23 record. His success at Daemen came after beginning his career just down Main Street, playing two seasons at the Division I level for Canisius.

After his collegiate playing career ended, Johnson moved into an assistant coaching role at Daemen for the 2010-11 season. He would rejoin the staff in 2013, assisting for another four seasons, including the first three of MacDonald's Daemen tenure. In his five prior seasons on the Daemen staff, Johnson helped Daemen achieve 94 wins and aided in the development of eight players who generated 11 all-conference selections.

"Daemen is a place that continues to hold a special place in my heart," Johnson said. "I am excited for the opportunity to come back and mentor the student-athletes in a program that means so much to me."

A native of Detroit, Michigan now residing locally in Lockport, Johnson is a double graduate of Daemen. He earned a bachelor's degree in individualized studies in 2010, and added a master's degree in executive leadership and change in 2016. After starting a professional career in higher education, Johnson worked as as admissions counselor first at Bryant and Stratton College and later here at Daemen. He currently serves as the director of college counseling services for Buffalo Prep, a nonprofit organization that works with private, public and charter high schools to help underrepresented youth prepare for college.

Daemen College features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

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