Daemen University Athletics

Alumnus David "DJ" Johnson '10 '16 returns to the men's basketball coaching staff as the director of player development for the 2020-21 season. It marks Johnson's third stint on the staff having previously served as an assistant coach for the 2010-11 season and again from 2013-17. In his previous five seasons as a coach, Johnson helped the Wildcats to a 94-51 overall record.

The part-time director of player development position, funded entirely by external revenue sources, is new to head coach Mike 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. 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," said MacDonald. 

Prior to joining the coaching staff in 2010, Johnson was a standout player on the court for the Wildcats, earning All-American Mideast Conference honors as both a junior and senior. He led the team in scoring as a junior, averaging 16.2 points per contest during a 20-10 season. As a senior, Johnson took on a new role, often serving as the team's primary ball handler. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebouns and 2.4 assists per game while leading the Wildcats to another successful season (18-13). Johnson appeared in 58 games, made 54 starts, scored 814 points and grabbed 269 rebounds in his two seasons with the Wildcats.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Johnson's collegiate playing career started not far from where it ended. He competed for two seasons at the Division I level, playing for Canisius College in Buffalo. It was there that Johnson first drew a connection to MacDonald who was the Golden Griffins head coach at the time of Johnson's recruitment and commitment. 

Before signing at Canisius, Johnson lettered at Detroit's Bishop Foley High School, earning First Team All-State honors as a senior when he led the team to a 23-3 record and conference, district and regional championships.

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. 

Johnson resides in Lockport with his wife, the former Bridgette Burke, a 2011 inductee of the Daemen Athletics Hall of Fame. Together, the couple has two children, Bryce and Cameron.