Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Gus Johnson, affectionately known as “Honeycomb,” was a trailblazing American professional basketball player celebrated for his dynamic athleticism and powerful playing style.
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Gus Johnson Jr.
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: December 13, 1938
- Place of Birth: Akron, Ohio, USA
- Date of Death: April 29, 1987
- Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
- Weight: 230 pounds (104 kg)
- Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
- Jersey Number: 25
Education:
- High School: Central High School, Akron, Ohio
- Colleges:
- Boise Junior College (now Boise State University)
- University of Idaho
Professional Career:
- NBA Draft: Selected in the 2nd round (10th overall) by the Chicago Zephyrs in the 1963 NBA Draft; rights traded to the Baltimore Bullets
- Teams Played For:
- Baltimore Bullets (1963–1972)
- Phoenix Suns (1972)
- Indiana Pacers (ABA) (1972–1973)
- NBA Championship Rings: None
Career Highlights:
- Five-time NBA All-Star
- Four-time All-NBA Second Team selection
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1970)
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010
- Jersey number 25 retired by the Washington Wizards (formerly Baltimore Bullets)
Personal Life:
- Siblings: Brother Perry Johnson
Gus Johnson’s legacy endures as a pioneer who set the standard for modern power forwards, combining strength, agility, and flair. His contributions to the game have left an indelible mark on basketball history.