Roosevelt Johnson (born December 8, 1971) is an American former professional basketball player. A 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) power forward and center, he is best known for his highly successful collegiate career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a brief stint in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Atlanta Hawks.
Early Life and College Career
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Johnson attended Lanier High School before enrolling at the University of Mississippi. At Ole Miss, he became one of the most decorated players in the program's history. He was a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), earning First-team All-SEC honors in both 1994 and 1995. In his senior year (1994-95), Johnson was named the SEC Player of the Year, leading the Rebels to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1981. He finished his collegiate career as Ole Miss's all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, solidifying his place as a legend in the program.Professional Career
Johnson was selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 1995 NBA draft. He played one season (1995-96) with the Hawks, appearing in 36 games and averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.Following his NBA tenure, Johnson continued his professional career both domestically and internationally. He played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for teams like the Chicago Rockers and the Yakima Sun Kings, gaining further experience. Johnson also had an extensive career overseas, playing for various clubs in Europe, including teams in Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where he continued to showcase his skills as a strong inside presence.