In memory
Former Pepperdine and NBA great Dennis Johnson died Feb. 22 after collapsing at the end of his developmental team’s practice. He was 52.
Johnson helped the Waves to a 22-6 record and NCAA Tournament appearance as they advanced to the second round in the 1975-76 season.
Johnson averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game en route to being named All-West Coast Athletic Conference.
In 1982, Johnson was honored with the Pepperdine Distinguished Alumni Award.
He was taken in the second round of the NBA draft by the Seattle Supersonics and went on to become a five-time All Star and one of the top defensive guards as part of the last Boston Celtic dynasty.
Johnson spent 14 seasons in the league and retired after the 1989-90 season. He played on title teams with the Celtics in 1984 and 1986 and with the Supersonics in 1979, when he was the NBA finals MVP.
He averaged 14.1 points and 5 assists for his career. Upon retirement, he was the 11th player in NBA history to total 15,000 points and 5,000 assists.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, sons Dwayne and Daniel, and a daughter, Denise.
03-01-2007
