Tyler Johnson, a former Fresno State basketball player, has returned as a new assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, bringing eight years of NBA experience with him.
Johnson was recruited to play for Fresno State in 2010 after playing at St. Francis High School in Mountain View, California.
During his time at Fresno State, he showcased his talent.
He was named to the All-Mountain West Second Team in his senior year and led his team to a historic school record, averaging 15 points per game. He also finished his career ranked No. 16 on the all-time scoring list.
However, Johnson had a unique journey to the NBA.
After his college career, he declared for the NBA draft but went undrafted. He eventually signed with the Miami Heat summer league team in 2014 on a 10-day contract, but was waived shortly after.
The following year, Johnson re-signed with the Heat’s G-League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, formerly a D-league team and was called up to play in the NBA after a few months after averaging 18 points and four rebounds.
He saw no playing time and ended up back in the G-League.
The following month, Johnson officially joined the Heat’s roster.
“I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time and to take advantage of the hard work accumulated over my years,” Johnson said. “As well as some of the lessons I learned while here at [Fresno] State.”
Johnson achieved notable career highlights, including scoring 32 points off the bench in a game with the Heat and receiving a $50 million contract the same year.
For nearly all of Johnson’s professional career, he was considered an undrafted underdog.
Now, returning as a Bulldog, he plans to make an impact on the team and its players.
“I want to have the opportunity to be there for some of these younger guys, and hopefully try to guide them or encourage them to take whatever necessary step they need to take in order to allow them to live out their dreams,” Johnson said.
Johnson plans to bring some fire to the Bulldogs this season, as well as some realism to this team about what it means to play at this level and what it takes to make it to the next.
Switching from a player to a coach presents a new dynamic. Johnson has fully embraced it by bringing advice he learned from professional players and coaches.
“As a coach, you’re worried about where everyone is supposed to be,” Johnson said. “You’re managing personalities, game flow and tactics all for five different people. It’s challenging, but it’s chess and I love it.”
Johnson has been preaching to the players — not just about taking extra shots after practice — but also fueling their minds with the right information at all times. He believes they have a great group of guys with a high ceiling, poised for a strong season.
This season will determine if Johnson’s coaching style will be a good fit for the Bulldogs’ play style and culture, and how the team will continue to find its footing as the season progresses.
He is also working closely with Head Coach Vance Walberg, who had some positive things to say about Johnson.
“Tyler’s phenomenal,” Walberg said. “He helps the kids understand that there aren’t too many highs or lows, just keep being solid and bring the work ethic and be a great teammate every day.”
Johnson’s return and addition to the Bulldogs’ coaching staff are going to change a lot and can give the Red Wave something to cheer about this year.
