Tom Johnson Named Ottawa BlackJacks Lead Assistant Coach
Former National Team Member returns to Canada after 20-year professional coaching career in Europe
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that Tom Johnson has been named Lead Assistant Coach.
Following a 10-year professional playing career, Johnson has spent the past 20 years coaching various professional teams in both the first and second division European leagues, including in Finland, Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Luxembourg and Austria. A native of Victoria, British-Columbia, Johnson worked as a scouting-consultant for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011-12 and was invited to be an assistant coach for the team during the NBA Summer League in Orlando, Florida, and during the OKC mini-camp.
Johnson is currently coaching Athenas Lummen Women’s Basketball in the First Division in Belgium, while also leading the Basketball Enrichment Program at the British School of Brussels in Belgium. In 2020, he founded Game Within Game Development (GWG) a basketball academy that focuses on player development and performances through various mental, physical and technical programs for players.
As a head Coach with the Oberwart Gunners in the first division men’s basketball league in Austria, he led his team to the 2013 Cup of Austria Final Four. In 2008-09, as a head coach for Belgacom Liege Basket of the top-tier professional league in Belgium, Johnson and his team reached the Final 16 of the Euro Challenge, defeating the Spanish team Cajasol Sevilla ACB twice during the group phase. They were also the only team to defeat the final runner up Cholet on home court.
Prior to transitioning to coaching, Johnson played professionally in various European countries, including Italy, Germany, Belgium and France.
Johnson holds a Diploma A in Coaching from the Vlaamse Trainers School in Belgium, in addition to an Advanced Strength and Conditioning Certification. He graduated from the University of Victoria in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Physical Education.
A former University of Victoria men’s basketball standout, Johnson played for the Vikes from 1986-91 and was named on the Canada West First Team All-Star three times. He also represented Canada on various occasions, including at the 1991 World University Games in England, 1991 Pan American Games in Cuba, 1989 World University Games in Germany and at the 1987 World Jr. Championships in Italy.
Lead Assistant Coach Tom Johnson will join General Manager and Vice-President of Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, and Head Coach Charles Dubé-Brais as they complete the rest of their basketball operations team and prepare for the 2022 CEBL season, opening up with a game at home versus Fraser Valley on May 25, 2022, at 7:30pm.
BlackJacks single-game tickets are now available at theblackjacks.ca/tickets and start at only $30. Season and half season seat memberships, flex packs and group tickets are also available. Season seat members have exclusive access to 2022 CEBL Championship tickets. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Ottawa BlackJacks Membership Services team directly at 613-690-0519 or by email at [email protected].
Quotes:
“Tom is an amazing addition to our team. Not only will he bring his international experience to Ottawa, but he will also be a great resource for our players. He is a great leader with strong technical knowledge who has the ability to bring out the best in each player.”
- Jevohn Shepherd, General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations
Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
“After spending more than 20 years playing and coaching professionally in Europe, I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to Canada and bring my experience to Ottawa. I am excited to meet the community and go to work with the rest of the BlackJacks staff, while helping players reach their full potential.”
- Tom Johnson, Lead Assistant Coach, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its second season, the BlackJacks earned a semifinal appearance at the 2021 CEBL Championship Weekend in Edmonton. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, and Head Coach Charles Dubé-Brais, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. The BlackJacks and the City of Ottawa have been awarded the rights to host the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend from August 12-14, 2022 with games taking place in the Arena at TD Place. The CEBL Championship Weekend will be a celebration of basketball, music, and local culture that will feature concerts, street festivals, the CEBL Awards, and several legacy projects to be announced at a later date. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 percent of its current rosters being Canadians. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks
Contact:
Marika Guérin
Senior Manager, Communications and Community
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club