Daniel Geoffrey Craig Johnson (born 3 April 1988) is an Australian professional basketball player who last played for the Forestville Eagles of the NBL1 Central. He debuted in the National Basketball League (NBL) in 2008 with the Melbourne Tigers. After two seasons, he joined the Adelaide 36ers where he played the next 13 seasons. With the 36ers, he is a seven-time All-NBL Team member, including three All-NBL First Team recognitions. Johnson is also a long-time Australian state league player and has had many stints overseas.
Johnson moved to the United States to play college basketball for Pepperdine University in the 2007–08 NCAA season.[4] Holding the Waves' starting centre position for most of the season,[5] Johnson averaged 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 21 games.[6] He decided to leave the team and return home after the departure of his coach and several teammates.[7]
Professional career
NBL
Melbourne Tigers (2008–2010)
Johnson returned to Australia in 2008 and played two seasons with the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL.[8] In his rookie season, the Tigers made it to the grand final series, where they lost in five games to the South Dragons.
In the 2013–14 season, Johnson helped the 36ers reach the NBL Grand Final series while earning All-NBL First Team honors.[13][14] He was also named the 36ers Club MVP for the third straight year.[15]
In the 2015–16 season, Johnson's 9.3 rebounds per game saw him lead the NBL in rebounding for the second time while once again earning All-NBL Second Team honours. In the 2016–17 season, Johnson helped the 36ers win the minor premiership while earning All-NBL First Team honours. In the 2017–18 season, Johnson helped the 36ers reach the NBL Grand Final series while earning All-NBL First Team honours. In the 2018–19 season, Johnson served as captain of the 36ers for the first time.[22] He went on to win the Club MVP and earn All-NBL Second Team honours.[23]
Johnson (with the ball) with the 36ers in November 2019
In October 2019, Johnson played his 250th game for the 36ers as well as his 300th in the NBL.[24] He scored an NBL career-high 38 points in a loss to the Cairns Taipans on 18 January 2020.[25] He went on to win the Club MVP for the fifth time.[26]
In May 2020, Johnson's contract with the 36ers was extended until the end of the 2022–23 season.[27] He was named co-captain for the 2020–21 season.[28] He played his 300th game for the 36ers and 350th NBL game during the season.[29][30] He averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game in 2020–21 to lead the 36ers in scoring for the sixth time.[31] He was subsequently named Club MVP alongside Josh Giddey.[32] He was named Club MVP for the seventh time in 2021–22.[33]
In December 2022, Johnson played his 400th NBL game.[34] He parted ways with the 36ers following the 2022–23 season.[35]
S.E. Melbourne Phoenix (2023)
On 9 November 2023, Johnson signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix as an injury replacement for Gorjok Gak.[36][37] He left the Phoenix in early December after three games following Gak's return.[38]
^"United stay top with ninth straight win". NBL.com.au. 24 April 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2021. ...who had superstar Daniel Johnson playing his 300th game for the club...