Hall of Fame
A premier scorer and leader, Jeffrey Johnson was a prime focal point of Montclair's Men's Basketball program during the late 1970s and helped build the foundation for the program's strong run in the early 1980s. With no three-point line, Johnson compiled 1,227 points during his four-year career, a mark that ranks 11th in program history for total scoring. After appearing in 14 games during his freshman campaign, he surged ahead the following year as the team's leading scorer at 15.7 points per game. He shot 48 percent from the floor and also helped orchestrate the offense with a team-best 102 assists, adding 93 rebounds. On the defensive side of the ball, Johnson notched a team-best 55 steals as the Red Hawks compiled a double-digit win season.
The following season, Johnson played in all 21 games and totaled 453 points while averaging a team-leading 21.6 points per game. He shot 47 percent from the field while grabbing a team-best 151 rebounds, averaging 7.2 per game. He once again shined defensively, as he was tied for the team lead in blocks with 20 and added 34 steals. His senior campaign saw him collect 362 points across 16 games, ranking atop the team at 22.6 points per game. He shot 53 percent from the floor and registered 94 rebounds, and was part of the team that went 15-12, Montclair's most victories in 10 seasons. The Red Hawks won the NJAC Championship over Glassboro State and went on to win a NCAA Division III Tournament First Round game over Roanoke, its first-ever victory in the competition.
Johnson ranks ninth in scoring average for a single season in program history with his 21.6 points per game during the 1979-80 campaign, and his 197 field goals made during that year ranking 12th for a single season. He collected First Team All-NJAC honors following that season for his efforts. His 16.6 points per game for his 74-game career ranks ninth in program history, as he finished his career with a 49-percent shooting percentage, 411 rebounds, 58 assists, 70 steals, and 39 blocks. The Red Hawks won 42 games during his four years at Montclair, including 24 within conference play.
His legacy at Montclair extends far beyond his accomplishments on the basketball court. For nearly two decades, he has continued to give back to his alma mater as a Trustee on the University’s Foundation Board. Through his leadership, commitment, and service, Johnson has helped advance the Foundation’s mission, broaden its reach, and create opportunities for countless Montclair students.
