Did Ernie Johnson Play in the NBA?
Did Ernie Johnson Play in the NBA?
By Fan Arch July 24, 2024 10:26
Ernie Johnson Jr. is a beloved sports broadcaster who hosts the hugely successful "Inside the NBA" show on TNT with Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley. However, few likely know where he played basketball, let alone in the NBA.
Early Life and Education
A native of Milwaukee who later moved to Atlanta, Johnson's early life was steeped in sports, but not in the way one might assume for someone so integral to the NBA today. He attended Marist School in Atlanta, showcasing his athletic talents in high school basketball.
However, his college years at the University of Georgia saw Johnson excelling in baseball, where he played first base for one season. Johnson graduated summa cum laude in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a foundation that would serve him well in his future career.
Post-college, Johnson entered the trenches of sports broadcasting. His rich knowledge of sports, charisma, and ability to engage with fans and players alike quickly established him as a sought-after sports broadcaster. In 1990, Johnson began his tenure as the lead studio host for Turner Sports' coverage of the NBA, marking a new chapter in his career and the beginning of his legacy in sports broadcasting.
Is Ernie Johnson an NBA Veteran?
Despite what everyone says, Ernie Johnson Jr. Was not an NBA player. He had no professional basketball playing career, opting to play only one of his four years in college for the Georgia Bulldogs baseball team.
Blessed in basketball, Johnson has spent most of his time covering the game as a broadcaster and commentator, not playing it. He has been the lead studio host for Turner Sports' coverage of the NBA since 1990 and is famously behind TNT's "Inside The NBA" show alongside all-time greats like Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Although Johnson never played in the NBA, he has been recognized for his great work as a sports broadcaster. He has received numerous Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Studio Personality, and in 2002, the American Sportscasters Association named him the National Sportscaster of the Year. In addition to his multiple awards, Johnson has also been enshrined in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame as a testament to how revered he is among peers and viewers.
The Doctor of Sportscasting
While this version of Ernie Johnson Jr. never played in the NBA, he has been a true jack of all trades during his career as one of sportscasting's best-known voices. Among his many projects, Johnson demonstrated diversity and versatility by cross-category talent while announcing pro volleyball and boxing with Showtime Sports or the NHL.
Impact and Legacy of Ernie Johnson
Ernie Johnson Jr. never played in the NBA but has left his mark on basketball and sports broadcasting. The professionalism, organization, and rapport building with the players and fans that Johnson has shown in their work have all been widely hailed. He is a "Hall of Famer" in the industry, both for his technical chops and as a human being.
In addition to his sports broadcasting career, Ernie Johnson Jr. is a devout Christian known for these personal qualities and the time and effort he dedicates towards adoption causes when not calling basketball games. It has proven to be a great hit with fans and readers, providing insights into his life in and out of the stands through personal encounters that shaped him.
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