Ivan Johnson, IJ, could probably have attended any Division I school he wanted to after his spectacular high school performances at Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. After all, he did average 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg, and 4.5 steals with his best showing of 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists against Dayton Dunbar High School. A Co-MVP of the MCC Conference, Player-of-the Year in the greater Cincinnati area, and First team Cincinnati Post All-Metro Division I team honoree, IJ was honored and showered with the best of the best for his outstanding athletic abilities. So, why did he choose the quiet, old-fashioned town of Williamsburg, Kentucky where the population is barely 5,000 and the town’s college, Cumberland College, is a private, Baptist affiliated 1,700 strong to pursue his collegiate career?

“I came to Cumberland to play basketball first and foremost because of the coaches,” IJ said. “Whenever I spoke to them on the phone or in person, they really seemed to care more than the other coaches about my growth as a successful college basketball player as well as a future successful college graduate,” he continued. “The players at Cumberland also were a major factor in my decision to attend Cumberland. When I came on my visit, they treated me like we were all family and as if I had known them for years. It was a very comfortable basketball environment.”

“When I first saw the O. Wayne Rollins Center (gym), I envisioned myself doing good things in it and helping to carry on the Cumberland winning tradition.” And that he has done. Johnson, a 6’0 205 pound, guard has paved the way for Patriot basketball. As a freshman, Ivan competed in 34 games, accumulated 253 points, 56 assists, 88 boards, and 36 steals. During his sophomore year, Ivan turned up the heat as he started all 33 games compiling 505 points, 154 rebounds, 96 assists, and 60 steals. All was looking well for Ivan as he headed into his junior year, but fate had other things in mind. In the third game of his junior year, Johnson suffered an ACL knee injury ending his season. Determined to get back to the place he called home, Ivan underwent ACL surgery and a 6-month rehab regime to regain his pre-injury status.

Many were skeptical about Ivan’s return for the 2001-2002 campaign, but Ivan put all minds at ease as he took the court last year. Coach Butcher said of Ivan’s return, “Ivan had a tremendous year. He came off a very successful sophomore season, and has surprised everyone by returning to the hardwood an even better player than he was before his injury.” Last year he accumulated 1300 points, 175 assists, 80 steals, and 130 rebounds. If all of that was not impressive, Johnson also added to his list of accolades two MVP awards, named MSC Player-of-the-Week four times, honored with the MSC Player of the Year award, and most notably showered with the NAIA All-American First Team honor.

“Ivan is an integral part in our team’s success. Day in and day out he challenges the best of opposing teams and is relentless in his drive to succeed,” Butcher said. But maybe the best part of it all is that Ivan still has his whole senior year ahead of him. One day Johnson hopes to shoot some hoops on the professional level, but right now he is perfectly content in the sleepy town of Williamsburg playing the game he loves. “I am really glad I came to Cumberland to play ball. I have become a different and better player as well as a better person and it is all due to my experiences at Cumberland College,” IJ said.

You probably won’t see him on ESPN’s Sportscenter and he more than likely won’t make the local news’ sports headlines. But anyone who faces him on the court, prepares their team to play Cumberland, attends Cumberland College, or is a fan of small college basketball will know the name – Ivan Johnson. Now, who wouldn’t want to hold that fame?

Don Butcher, Head Coach

"Don't look back unless you want to go that way."

20 Years of Excellence