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Ervin Johnson

Hall of Fame


 Ervin Johnson
Men's Basketball - Jersey Retirement (December 29, 1997)

After walking into Tim Floyd's office, announcing his auspicious name, and saying he wanted to play basketball for UNO, Floyd was suspicious, wary of someone playing a cruel joke on him. After all, this Ervin Johnson (not to be confused with Earvin “Magic” Johnson) was 6'11 and Floyd was set to open his first season at UNO with a 6'4 post player. Johnson was no joke. After learning how to play the game and getting stronger, Johnson took to the floor in 1989 for the Privateers. Over the next four seasons (1989-1993), Johnson left an indelible imprint on the Privateer program. Johnson led UNO to 87 victories, two NCAA tournament and one NIT tournament appearances. He completed his four-year playing career as the second all-time leading scorer in UNO history (1,608 points), first all-time in field goal percentage (59%), first all-time in double-doubles with 55, first all-time in rebounds with 1,287 (10.5 per game), third all-time in double-figure scoring games (81), eighth all-time in steals (109), second all-time in games played (123), and first all-time in blocks (294). For his efforts, Johnson was named All-American South Conference for the 1990-1991 season, All-Sun Belt Conference for the 1991-1992 season, and was the 1992-1993 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year.

Johnson has gone on to a successful NBA career with Seattle (1993-1996), Denver (1996-1997), Milwaukee (1997-2003), and Minnesota (2003-Present). Johnson subsequently made a substantial donation to his alma mater for the Ervin Johnson Strength and Conditioning Center.

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