BIO: Terry Johnson was born in Wollongong (NSW) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Illawarra basketball program.

FAMILY: Terry’s brother, Rod Johnson also played 367 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Terry Johnson made his NBL debut with the North Melbourne Giants at 22 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

Johnson, whose brother Rod was playing for Giants, made the move to Melbourne for his rookie NBL season, joined the team in the midst of a major re-structure.

In 1993, the Giants chose not to re-sign long-term head coach Bruce Palmer who, since taking over in 1987, had led them to the semi finals five of six years and to the 1989 championship. His successor would be found in young Melbourne Tigers assistant Brett Brown whose appointment was deemed a cash-saving move by a team beginning to face years of financial uncertainty. Another sign of the Giant’s financial struggles became evident when they lost star import Scott Fisher to the ‘deeper pockets’ of the Perth Wildcats.

Brown began his search for Fisher’s replacement first with import Chuckie White, who failed to cut it during pre-season, before settling on Jason Reese. Reese was known around the league as ‘workhorse’ and dominant inside scorer that had spent the past two seasons with Hobart (1991) and Canberra (1992) and Mark Leader, who had became a naturalised Australian in 1993, replaced Fisher as team captain.

Terry had been playing with the Giants development team, the North East Melbourne Arrows and was added to the roster as a way to both recruit his more established brother Rod to the team. The move worked, with Rod leaving Illawarra to join the Giants, filling out the team’s starting lineup alongside Pat Reidy (16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 steals) and Darryl Pearce (11.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals).

Terry Johnson (2.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) saw minimal playing opportunities that season but was used by Brown as a motivator for his brother. Twice Terry replaced Johnson (6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals) in the starting lineup, a move designed to get more production the older brother, that outcome resulted in Rod Johnson dropping 21 points, a season high, the following game against Perth.

Reese went on to lead the team in scoring (26.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg), fellow import Paul Maley led the team in rebounding (22.5 ppg and 9.1 rpg) and Johnson also contributed 2.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.

North Melbourne finished the season (13-13) sneaking into the final playoff spot. There, they would face familiar foes, Scott Fisher and the Perth Wildcats who had finished the season in first place (21-5). Despite winning game one at home (105-101), the Giants would lose games two (98-108) and three (104-117) to Perth to put a end to their season.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
1995
After a year without a spot in the NBL, Illawarra junior Terry Johnson returned to his hometown of Wollongong and signed to with the Hawks.

After three consecutive years of being eliminated in the first round of the NBL playoffs, head coach Alan Black knew his job was on the line if the team was unable to advance past the Quarterfinals. Black was able to re-sign star import Melvin Thomas and have veterans Chuck Harmison, Mick Corkeron and Dene MacDonald return but lost Butch Hays and Craig Adams, who both signed with Newcastle. Black bolstered his roster by replacing Hays with pass-first point guard Andre LaFleur, who had connected on more assists than any other player in the league over the prior three seasons, former Perth Wildcats star Kendal Pinder and young talent Glen Saville.

Five games into the season, offcourt issues arose surrounding Pinder (9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), who was released from the team after facing criminal charges. However, with his absence, the Hawks witnessed the explosion of young point guard Terry Johnson. Johnson, who had failed to make a mark in the NBL with the Giants, was a key part of the team’s success this season. Forced to spend a year playing in the state league competition with no NBL team, making him a offer in 1994, he made sure every team regretted that decision in 1995. He tripled his 1993 numbers to finish with averages of 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and was a key part of Illawarra’s success. He finished as the competition’s leading three point shooter at 48 percent (34 of 71) and runner-up to Tonny Jensen (Newcastle) for the Most Improved Player award.

Melvin Thomas led the team in almost every category, posting 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks and formed quite the duo with LaFleur who finished with averages of 21.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.9 steals.

Illawarra (14-12) finished seventh and faced off against second-placed South East Melbourne in the Quarterfinals. In game one, the Hawks delivered a upset, defeating the Magic behind a 29 point outburst from 37 year old veteran Chuck Harmison (12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists). The Hawk’s momentum was culled with the series moving to Melbourne, where the Magic claimed victory in both game two (92-89) and three (93-75) to hand the Hawks their fourth Quarterfinals exit in as many years.

At season’s end, Black was not re-signed by Illawarra and promptly took up a role with rival club Sydney for the 1996 season, taking Hawks star Melvin Thomas along with him.

1996
After losing both coach Alan Black and their leading scorer and rebounder from the past four seasons in Melvin Thomas the Hawks looked to rebuild in 1996. Although many felt the void left by Thomas and Black heading to NSW rivals Sydney would be difficult to replace, incoming coach Brendan Joyce had just the player in mind. New arrival Marcus Timmons surprised everyone by being one of the premier forwards in the competition, proving to be a more than adequate replacement for Thomas and led the team in points (21.9 ppg), rebounds, (12.3 rpg), steals (2.3 spg) and blocks (1.0 bpg). Alongside Timmons, Terry Johnson (16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) would produced the best numbers of his career, this included a career high 41 points in a win over rival club Sydney (145 def. 121).

The big numbers delivered by Timmons and Johnson were offset however by the decline of import point guard Andre LaFleur (18.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists) who had shown clear signs of slowing down in his sixth season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds and assists. Hawks legend Greg Hubbard also struggled to overcome a back injury which saw him average 6.0 points in 16 minutes per game (lowest minutes of career) and retire at the end of the season. As a result, the Hawks struggled to find wins during the year and finished in tenth place (9-17).

1997
After finishing tenth with a 9-17 record and missing the playoffs in 1996, Illawarra entered another rebuilding phase after losing leading scorer and rebounder Marcus Timmons (to Melbourne), who would help the Tigers win the championship, while Andre LaFleur (not re-signed), Greg Hubbard (retired) and Chuck Harmison (retired) also left the playing roster. Harmison moved into the Hawks’ general manager role, while new captain Matt Zauner, Glen Saville, Mat Campbell, Dene MacDonald and Marc Brandon returned under head coach Brendan Joyce. Eric Cooks (via Ballarat), Lachlan Armfield (via Newcastle), Jason Brettell (returning after a season out of the NBL) and young imports Bryan Edwards and Clayton Ritter were added.

Illawarra opened the season at Beaton Park on April 12, where Terry Johnson (23 points, 1 assist, and 2 steals) made 7-of-12 shots, including three three-pointers, and all six of his free throws, but Newcastle defeated the Hawks 112-96. Ritter (25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Saville (16 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, while David Simmons (22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Newcastle.

Johnson (9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds across 30 games) appeared in every game and remained a regular part of Illawarra’s backcourt after entering the season as the Hawks’ reigning club MVP. His career-best 1996 season had included a 41-point, 13-assist performance against Sydney which later became known around the club as ‘The TJ Game’, but his offensive production reduced as Illawarra reshaped its roster around a younger group during 1997.

Johnson’s highest-scoring game of the season was a 31-point performance. Another of his strongest scoring games came against South East Melbourne at the Whitlam Centre on May 3, where Johnson (21 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 7-of-13 shots and three three-pointers. Ritter (33 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Zauner (14 points and 8 rebounds) also reached double figures, but Tony Ronaldson (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists) helped the Magic defeat Illawarra 123-106.

One of Johnson’s best all-round games came against Adelaide at Beaton Park on June 28, where Johnson (10 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) committed only one turnover in almost 42 minutes as Illawarra defeated the 36ers 105-92. Ritter (31 points and 11 rebounds) and Dylan Rigdon (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) led the Hawks offensively, while Brett Maher (22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) was Adelaide’s best.

Edwards (18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals across 13 games) produced strong individual numbers but was not the fit Joyce needed at point guard and was replaced midway through the season by Rigdon (mid-season replacement). Rigdon (19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across 15 games) gave Illawarra another high-scoring playmaker for the second half of the season.

Ritter (23.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 28 games) led Illawarra in scoring, produced two 40-point games and won the Hawks’ team MVP award, while Saville (13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) more than doubled his scoring from the previous season and earned selection for the NBL All-Star Game. Zauner (12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds across 30 games) led Illawarra in rebounding and was also selected for the All-Star Game, although a contract dispute between him and Joyce created further problems during the season. Cooks (8.9 points and 6.5 rebounds across 29 games) and Campbell (8.7 points across 30 games) provided the remaining support.

Illawarra missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season and finished 11th with a 7-23 record, closing the year at Beaton Park on September 27 with a 115-90 win over Brisbane.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS
1998
Newcastle’s 12-18 finish in 1997 prompted Shawn Dennis to reshape the Falcons, and Terry Johnson’s move from Illawarra came with the opportunity to change positions. Scott McGregor (to Sydney), Ben Pepper (to North Melbourne), Dave Simmons and Butch Hays departed, while Ben Melmeth, Tonny Jensen, Greg Blake, Damien Robertson and Mathew Low returned. Dennis added Johnson (via Illawarra), Marc Brandon (via Illawarra), imports Isaac Burton (via Sydney) and NBA-experienced centre Todd Mundt, along with Nathan Hawkes. Johnson had produced several solid seasons primarily as a shooting guard but believed he could run an NBL team at point guard. After being told by the Hawks that he was not a “point guard’s bootlace”, Newcastle gave him a season to prove otherwise.

Johnson began his Falcons career against South East Melbourne at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 30, finishing with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Burton (21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Jensen (18 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) were Newcastle’s other leading performers, while Clinton McDaniel (19 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 5 steals) led the Magic to a 93-73 victory.

Johnson (10.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals across 29 games) settled into the point guard role and became one of Newcastle’s main ball-handlers and defensive playmakers. His performances also earned him an opportunity at a Boomers selection camp. The Falcons struggled early, with the opening-night defeat followed by losses to Wollongong, Sydney and Brisbane to leave Newcastle 0-4.

The breakthrough came against Townsville on February 21, when Johnson produced 28 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal, shooting 9-of-13 from the field, making all four of his three-point attempts and all six free throws. Melmeth (25 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Mundt (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) provided the main support, overcoming Derek Rucker’s 39 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals as Newcastle secured its first win 110-96.

Against NSW rival Sydney on March 3, Johnson concentrated on creating for others, finishing with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals as Newcastle dismantled the Kings 112-85. Jensen erupted for 32 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals and former King Burton added 27 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, while Shane Heal (21 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Johnson delivered his best and highest-scoring performance of the season against Melbourne on March 29. He finished with a season-high 31 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, making 12-of-14 free throws in almost 45 minutes. Melmeth added 20 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals and Mundt had 16 points and 7 rebounds, but Andrew Gaze (35 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) carried Melbourne to a 104-101 win at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

One of Newcastle’s best results came at Adelaide Arena on April 9, where Johnson contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists without committing a turnover as the Falcons thrashed the eventual champions 111-85. Jensen (27 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists) directed the offence and Melmeth (24 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists) controlled the glass, while Darnell Mee (21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide. Newcastle shot 59 percent from the field in the 26-point road win.

By early May the Falcons had slipped into another four-game losing streak. That run culminated against Perth on May 9, when Johnson recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in a 97-90 loss at home. Jensen produced a season-high 29 points with 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals and Melmeth grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds alongside 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while Ricky Grace (29 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Wildcats.

Newcastle responded six days later with a 109-96 road win over Sydney. Johnson finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal, while Burton torched his former club for a season-high 38 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block and Melmeth added 24 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Heal (23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Sydney’s best.

Melmeth (21.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 30 games) became Newcastle’s leading scorer and rebounder after lifting his production from 12.3 points and 8 rebounds the previous year, earning the NBL Most Improved Player award and All-NBL First Team honours. Burton (19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals across 29 games) gave Newcastle another major offensive weapon, with Jensen (18.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals across 30 games) remaining productive on the perimeter and Mundt (13.6 points and 6 rebounds across 28 games) providing another interior option. Newcastle’s biggest weakness was the drop-off beyond its starters, with the bench combining for around 12 points per game and Brandon (3.1 points across 28 games) its highest-scoring reserve, making it difficult for the Falcons to sustain their offence whenever the starting unit rested.

Johnson did not appear in Newcastle’s final game against Melbourne at Melbourne Park on June 7, his only non-appearance of the 30-game season. Melmeth produced a season-high 36 points with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks and Jensen added 23 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal, while Gaze (28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne to a 102-100 victory. Newcastle finished 11th with a 9-21 record, with North Melbourne taking tenth place after winning the head-to-head series 2-1, leaving the Falcons outside the playoffs.

1998/99
Entering the 1998/99 season, the Falcons were in dire financial trouble, but on the brink of the season starting, they secured funds from a group of investors from Albury. As a result, the Falcons were able to retain local talent Ben Melmeth, Terry Johnson and import Todd Mundt but were forced to build the rest of the team on a shoestring budget. Somewhat luckily, Newcastle benefitted from the merger of South East Melbourne and North Melbourne, which saw Pat Reidy and import Butch Hays both former Giants players, without a team. With few NBL team’s having any space on their rosters at this stage, the Falcons were able to sign both at budget prices. Dean Brogan (via Adelaide), Rod Johnson (via Canberra) and legendary shot blocker Willie Simmons was lured out of retirement to play another season.

While obvious favourites to finish on the bottom of the ladder, the Falcons surprised everyone by winning five of their first six games.

Shortly after, reports of players not being paid their salaries surfaced, and the focus, motivation and production among the players began to wane. Mundt exited the team as a result of not getting paid on time and was replaced with Simmons (14.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals) who after a season playing with Sydney was sitting at home after being unable to find another new deal.

The remainder of the season then saw Newcastle record three wins from their next nineteen games before finally beating Perth (113–111) in their final game of the year.

Pat Reidy (17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals) led the team in scoring, Ben Melmeth (17.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals) led the team in rebounds while Terry Johnson (14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals) delivered his best season at the point guard position and his brother Rod Johnson (11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) rounded out the team’s leading scorers.

After narrowly surviving the season before, this would prove to be the death knell for Newcastle, with the league stepping in to address their financial situation and its result being the removal of their NBL licence and the Falcons being forced out of the league.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
1999/00
In 1999/00, Johnson averaged 16.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as the Taipans finished with a record of 2-26 and in first place during the regular season.

SYDNEY KINGS
2000/01
In 2000/01, Johnson averaged 8.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as the Kings finished with a record of 17-11 and in fifth place during the regular season.

2001/02
In 2001/02, Johnson averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds, and helped guide the Kings to a eighth place finish in the regular season with a 14-16 record.

Terry Johnson played nine seasons across five NBL teams. This included the North Melbourne Giants, Newcastle Falcons, Illawarra Hawks, Cairns Taipans and Sydney Kings. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 200 NBL games.