Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Neil Johnson, a former NBA player:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Cornelius Hawkeye “Neil” Johnson
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on April 22, 1929 (passed away on September 28, 2022, at the age of 93)
  • Hometown: Jackson, Michigan, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
  • Weight: 210 pounds (95 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey numbers 9, 11, and 19
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan
  • College: University of Iowa (1949–1951)
  • NBA Draft: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 1953 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors
  • Teams Played For:
    • Philadelphia Warriors (1953–1959)
  • Championship Rings: 1 NBA Championship (1956)
  • Kids: Not publicly available
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Neil Johnson’s player archetype was that of a rugged utility big and interior enforcer, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward-center whose value came more from physicality, rebounding, and hard-nosed team play than polished scoring. Defensively, he filled a bruising frontcourt role, battling around the paint, absorbing contact, and bringing the kind of toughness that later sources explicitly remembered as part of his identity, while offensively he fit better as a low-usage complementary piece who finished inside, cleaned up possessions, and chipped in without needing an offense built around him. His physical traits were solid and sturdy rather than flashy, and his play style reflected that: combative, workmanlike, and willing to do the dirty work that helped balance a lineup, whether in the NBA or during his ABA years with Virginia. (Basketball Reference)

Notes:

  • Similar players to Neil Johnson include Kevin McHale.

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Neil Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft …
Wikipedia — Neil Johnson (basketball)
Creighton Athletics — Creighton’s Connection To The Pro Ranks
Legends of Basketball — HOOP DU JOUR: HARTHORNE WINGO