William “Skinny” Johnson
(1911-1980)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1977
Card Shown:
2013 Upper Deck
Jayhawks Legacy
Position: C
Height: 6’4″
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William “Skinny” Johnson was an athletic big man of the early 1930s who was nicknamed due to his thin physique. A giant in the basketball of his era, Johnson was a great leaper who helped his team control the game by winning a majority of the center jumps that took place after each basket was scored. Skinny was also a scorer, averaging over 10 points per game one season back in the early days of basketball when scores were very low.
Awards and Honors
- Skinny was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and starred at Central High School, graduating in 1929. Playing for University of Kansas alumnus George Rody, Johnson received All-Conference honors twice and was an All-America selection in 1929.
- Johnson played his college basketball at the University of Kansas, where he was recognized as a Second Team Big-Six Conference selection after his first season. He went on to be a two-time First-Team All-Big Six conference selection for the Jayhawks in his final two years (1931-32 and 1932-33).
- Skinny, playing under legendary coach Phog Allen, led Kansas to three Big Six conference championships and an overall record of 41-12 during his time there.
- After college, Skinny played AAU basketball, leading Southern Kansas to the AAU championship each year from 1934-1936.
- In 1975, Johnson was honored as an All-Time Great in Oklahoma.
Points of Interest
- Johnson played basketball in high school but he was also an accomplished tennis player. He won the conference singles title in 1928.
- Skinny was a 6’4″ center who was known for dominating the center jump which took place after each made basket until that rule was changed in 1937.
- In 1933, Johnson led the Jayhawks in scoring with an average of 10.7 points per game.
- Skinny had a brief stint in coaching after his playing days ended. He led Cleveland Chiropractic College (Kansas City, Missouri) to a 16-2 record and the Naismith Industrial League and Kansas City Independent Tournament titles.
- Johnson served his country in the U.S. National Reserve from 1943-1946.
William “Skinny” Johnson
Signed First Day Cover
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