Chaney Johnson: ‘a great American story’

He didn’t headline No. 1 Auburn’s 30-point beatdown of Ole Miss on Wednesday night as his frontcourt allies, Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell, both reached career milestones: Broome eclipsed the 2,500-point mark in his career and Cardwell became the winningest player in in program history. 

But his consistent, relentless, hard-nosed style of play continues to be a focal point in the Tigers’ historic season. 

Chaney Johnson is one of six Tigers averaging double figures on the nation's most efficient offense with 10.3 points per game. He tallied 13 points on a 5-of-6 performance from the field and hauled in six rebounds against the Rebels. 

With Auburn holding onto a 12-point lead in the early goings of the second half, he was a spark for the Tigers’ offense, going on a personal 7-1 run to extend the their lead to 16. 

“Well, you know, all glory to God. Without Him, I wouldn't be the player I am today. Honestly, they were just passing me the ball in the right spots. I have great teammates who always know where to find me. That's all it is,” Johnson said. 

Just two short years ago, the senior forward was suiting up at the Division II level for the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Of course, Johnson put on a show while suiting up in royal blue and white as he started in all 35 games of the 2022-23 season for the Chargers and was named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year, averaging 15.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. 

But there were bigger aspirations on the mind of Johnson and displaying his talent on the biggest stage in all of college basketball was exactly what he had in mind. 

Often tabbed as the Tigers’ hardest worker, Johnson doesn’t forget the moments he had while rocking on the hardwood with the Chargers. 

“Yeah, I do it all the time,” Johnson said when asked if he reflects on his time at UAH. “When I'm in my prayer closet, I'm always giving thanks to Jesus Christ, because I've come a long way. I'm just continuing to build my platform and continuing to get closer to that next step. So, I'm always thankful for that — for the opportunity I have.” 

Johnson arrived on the Plains at just 200 pounds looking to do whatever it would take to to get on the court, and under the guidance of Auburn’s strength coach Damon Davis, he beefed up to 225 pounds — giving him the strength and size to compete with the monster frontlines in the grueling SEC. 

“I mean, Chaney is a great American story. Started from humble beginnings. Again, because it's not where you start, it's where you finish. And you know, hard work won't guarantee success, but without hard work, I guarantee you won't have success. It's your choice. Chaney Johnson has chosen to work hard. And so, when you prepare and you work hard, that gives you confidence, even though you were a Division II player, even though you're not supposed to play in the SEC – his preparation is what gives him confidence. Nobody works harder,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. 

With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, Johnson may just be granted another year of eligibility at the conclusion of the season as there are talks of allowing former Division II athletes, now in Division I, to return for a fifth year of eligibility. 

“We're certainly going to go through the process about seeing whether or not Chaney would be eligible for another year, ” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. 

Night in, and night out, the versatile forward has proven to be a matchup problem for opponents. He has recorded two 20-point games this season and boasts the highest field goal percentage among Auburn's double-digit scorers. 

“He's a real matchup problem, because he can do things inside and out. He can guard multiple positions,” Pearl said. 

But there’s just one thing Johnson hasn’t quite figured out just yet. 

“I just gotta get him to play without getting himself in foul trouble,” Pearl said jokingly.