Neil Johnston
(1929-1978)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1990
Card Shown:
Basketball Program
Cut Signature
Position: C
Height: 6’8″
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Neil Johnston was one of the top centers to play the game of basketball in the 1950s. However, he remains relatively unknown and overshadowed by George Mikan (who came before him) and Wilt Chamberlain (who started his career shortly after Johnston on the same team). Neil was known for his hook shot, but he also had a strong one-handed shot and was one of the NBA’s top rebounders.
During his rookie season with the Philadelphia Warriors in 1951-52, Neil only played 15.5 minutes per game. The scoring on that team was handled by Paul Arizin, Joe Fulks, and Andy Phillip. The following year Johnston saw his playing time escalate to 45.2 minutes per game due to Arizin being called to serve in the Marines and Fulks becoming less effective at the end of his career. Neil’s scoring average skyrocketed from 6 points per game the previous year to 22.3 points per game in 1952-53. Johnston had become a star in the NBA and would continue to be one of the top players for the next five to six years.
Awards and Honors
- Johnston and the Philadelphia Warriors won the 1955-56 NBA Championship, defeating the Fort Wayne Pistons four games to one. The Pistons were led by Hall of Famers George Yardley and Bob Houbregs and included Mel Hutchins, Larry Foust, and Andy Phillip. The Warriors were led by Hall of Famers Johnston and Paul Arizin and included Jack George, Tom Gola, and Joe Graboski.
- In his eight-year career, Neil was an NBA All-Star six consecutive times from 1953 through 1958.
- Johnston was also named All-NBA First Team four times from 1952-53 through 1955-56 and All-NBA Second Team in 1956-57.
- Neil was the leading scorer in the NBA in 1952-53 (22.3 ppg), 1953-54 (24.4 ppg), and 1954-55 (22.7 ppg). He also led the NBA in Field Goal Percentage in 1952-53 (.452), 1955-56 (.457), and 1956-57 (.447). To be the NBA scoring leader multiple times and to continually shoot a high percentage is truly an accomplishment.
- In addition to being a top scorer in the league, Johnston was also one of the top rebounders in the NBA. He led the league in rebounding in 1954-55 and finished in the top six in rebounding in five of his eight NBA seasons.
Points of Interest
- Neil went to Ohio State University and then spent his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors. His career ended in 1959 and he then became the coach of the Warriors. On the first team he coached was a rookie center named Wilt Chamberlain.
- Johnston was a minor league pitcher for several years with the Philadelphia Phillies but then developed arm problems. After a meeting with owner-coach Eddie Gottlieb, Neil signed a contract with the Warriors.
- Neil is one of only seven players in history to lead the NBA in scoring three years in a row. The other six are Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, George Gervin, Bob McAdoo, Wilt Chamberlain, and George Mikan. That is an elite group to be a part of.
- Johnston finished his NBA career with averages of 19.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
- Neil’s career was cut short by a knee injury when he smashed into a wall during an exhibition game. After his injury forced him to retire, Johnston coached three different teams in three different leagues. He coached the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA, the Pittsburgh Rens of the American Basketball League, and the Wilmington Blue Bombers of the Eastern Basketball League.
- Neil died of a heart attack while playing basketball in 1978, at the age of 49.
Statistics
Neil Johnston Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com
1955-56 NBA Champion Philadelphia Warriors
