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Ex-Golfer's Son Builds Hawaii's Basketball Future
9 Nov
Summary
- Gibson Johnson, son of a former top golfer, now leads Hawaii's basketball recruiting.
- Johnson's mission in Brazil shaped his perspective on happiness and community.
- He aims to recruit honest, transparent players, emphasizing that everything is earned.
Gibson Johnson, son of Utah's former top golfer Matthew Johnson, is now the associate head coach and director of recruiting for the Hawaii basketball program. His early life was marked by a deep passion for basketball, inspired by players like Michael Jordan and his competitive spirit. Johnson's perspective was significantly shaped by his time as a missionary in Belem, Brazil, where he learned about happiness and community from people with minimal material possessions.
After his mission and studies at the University of Utah, Johnson transitioned into coaching. He earned a scholarship as a player for the Utes before transferring to Hawaii, where he served as co-captain for two seasons. Following a playing career-ending injury in 2018, he moved directly into coaching, holding positions at various institutions before returning to Hawaii in June 2024.
Johnson is known for his transparent recruiting approach, emphasizing honesty with prospects about the realities of the program and the state. He believes this method attracts the right kind of dedicated individuals. Under his recruitment efforts, the team has seen new talent join, contributing to their success in the 2026 Big West Tournament and an NCAA Tournament appearance, fulfilling Johnson's decade-long goal.
