Johnson returns for his academy

By Dean Wong

Michael Johnson grew up on the basketball courts of Ballard, learning the game, becoming a star at the local high school and going on to the college and professional game.

Johnson now has a vision of giving back to the community through his Hoopaholics Academy's basketball clinics coming to Ballard July 23 to 26 and August 13 to 16 for boys and July 10 to 13 for girls.

As a boy, Johnson and his father had the key to the gymnasium at the Ballard Boys and Girls Club. After hours, they would work on basketball techniques.

Johnson went onto to become a legendary basketball star at Ballard High School. When he graduated in 1997, he was the all-time state scoring leader for Class AA schools with 2, 271 points.

He was first team All-Metro, All-Area and All-state three times each. Johnson is the only player in history to be Metro league's leading scorer for three years.

Johnson helped lead the Beavers to two state playoff appearances, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 10.3 rebounds. As a senior, the exploded for 53 points in a game against Jackson.

At the University of Washington, Johnson was a four-year starter with 36 double figure scoring games. His 84 three point shots ranks third in school history.

Johnson led the Huskies with 30 points in an upset over then 10th ranked University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He helped lead the Huskies to the Sweet Sixteen in 1998 and the NCAA Tournament in 1999.

After college he played pro ball in Brazil, was an assistant coach at Seattle Pacific University and had a summer league tryout with the Seattle Supersonics.

Now he brings his game back to Ballard to help the next generation of players.

"My goal is to get more kids interested that want to get better and more serious about basketball," said Johnson.

Johnson is the boys' coach at Whitman Middle School where he first dunked a basketball. The Wildcats went undefeated in the past regular season and lost a semi-final middle school playoff game by five points.

"I like to help any kid become a better basketball player and get them the help they need to succeed," said Johnson.

He works with current Ballard Beaver players John Barnes and Kayla Williams.

Barnes was a freshman last season and showed great potential to lead the Beaver boys the next three seasons.

"I've worked with Barnes since the eighth grade. I've had my eye on him. He does not shy away from the post and can play outside too. I see a kid like Barnes, who has natural ability. Basketball is his life and he wants to dedicate himself to basketball," said Johnson.

Williams is a heady point guard who handles the ball well for the girls' team and is one of the better guards in KingCo.

"She has good instincts. She knows a lot about basketball," said Johnson.

He is a big supporter of his old high school basketball programs, now coached by Karen Blair and Billy Rodgers. Both programs have made great strides in recent years.

"They are doing much better. Myself and people in the community are behind the program. I have high expectations. The kids are getting excited about basketball again," said Johnson.

As a residential real estate agent, Johnson could retire his sneakers but continues to operate his Hoopaholics Academy.

"It one of the things that becomes a part of you. To be around kids with goals and dreams," said Johnson.

His playing days are not over. Johnson competes with a Washington Athletic Club team that took second place in a national tournament last year.

Between real estate and basketball, Johnson is fortunate find time to keep his own schedule. "Between the two, it keeps me busy," said Johnson.

Travis Duty, a former University of Washington player during the camps, along with Ballard High School players, will assist Johnson.

Visit http://www.hoopaholics.com for a complete list of camp dates and other details.

Dean Wong may be reached at deanw@robinsonson.com