Aug. 9, 2007

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - James Johnson, who earned NAIA All-America honors at Western Washington University in 1988 and is a member of the school's Athletic Hall of Fame, has been named head men's basketball coach and director of athletics at Philander Smith College in his hometown of Little Rock, Ark.

The 43-year-old Johnson had been an assistant men's coach for the Panthers the past four seasons and last year also handled the duties of head women's basketball coach.

"I'm excited about my first head men's coaching opportunity at the collegiate level and for the chance to demonstrate my leadership skills as the athletic director," Johnson said.

"Playing and coaching with Brad Jackson (WWU head men's basketball coach) gave me valuable experience in preparing me for this opportunity."

Johnson, who was an assistant men's basketball coach at Western for eight years, received NAIA All-America honorable mention and was the NAIA District 1 Player of the Year for the Vikings in 1987-88. The school's Male Athlete of the Year, he led Western to the district title and the second round at the national tournament.

A two-time District 1 all-star, Johnson became the first two-year player in Western history to score 1,000 points (1,026).

Johnson also earned first-team all-Metro Conference honors at North Lake CC (Texas) and lettered at Bishop College (Texas). He was an all-state pick at Central High School in Little Rock.

Philander Smith is a school of 650 students and is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.