Johnson To Assist Philadelphia 76ers Staff During NBA Playoffs
4/11/2011 7:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Former College of Charleston men's basketball All-American standout Anthony Johnson will assist the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff during the 2011 NBA Playoffs.
Johnson starred for the Cougars from 1993-97 and is the program's first and only NBA Draft pick having enjoyed a successful professional playing career with the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets. He was recently offered the position to assist in playoff preparation by Sixers President Rod Thorn and Head Coach Doug Collins.
"I expressed my interest to coach and it was an opportunity too good to pass up," Johnson said. "Coaching has always been on my radar as my next career move and I am excited to assist in the team's playoff preparation. It will allow me a chance to get my feet wet and gain invaluable experience."
The Sixers will play either the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat in the best of three series in the Eastern Conference opening round which will begin next week. This is the first official coaching opportunity for Johnson, who recently helped coach NC State's Tracy Smith, Southern Cal's Alex Stepheson, Florida's Alex Tyus, Penn State's Talor Battle and East Tennessee State's Mike Smith for Team Norfolk Sports Club at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament held on April 6-9 in Portsmouth, Va.
The Charleston native, who graduated from R.B. Stall High School, holds an annual youth basketball camp in the Lowcountry area which will be held on July 18-22, 2011, at Carolina First Arena. To register or for more information on the Hoopin' With AJ Basketball Camp log onto: www.ajbasketballcamp.com.
