Jackson State Taps Legendary Alum Trey Johnson to Lead Men's Basketball Program

Jackson State University has found its next men's basketball leader right at home. The university announced Wednesday that Trey Johnson, a longtime assistant coach and former JSU star, will take the helm of the Tigers' basketball program, replacing Mo Williams.

The appointment marks a homecoming for one of the most decorated players in Jackson State history, as Johnson transitions from his role as associate head coach to the program's top position.

Johnson expressed deep emotion about the opportunity to lead his alma mater's program.

I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen to lead the men's basketball program here at my alma mater. This university is part of my foundation, my character, the fabric of who I am. This opportunity is personal—it's about pouring back into the same institution and city that poured so much into me, while honoring those who came before me and building something that future Tigers will be proud to carry forward.

From Tiger Legend to Program Leader

Johnson's playing credentials at Jackson State are nothing short of spectacular.

• Earned consecutive First Team All-SWAC honors
• Named SWAC Player of the Year for the 2006-07 season
• Averaged more than 27 points per game in his final season, ranking among the nation's leading scorers
• Led JSU to the 2007 SWAC championship and NCAA Tournament berth
• Earned SWAC Tournament MVP honors in 2007

Johnson's name still dominates the Jackson State record books, holding single-season marks for scoring average, total points, free throws made, and free throws attempted. Remarkably, he joined the program's 1,000-point club in just two years. His excellence earned him recognition as a BoxToRow All-American and the 2007 Bailey Howell Trophy winner. In 2020, he was inducted into the Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame.

After his collegiate success, Johnson spent seven years playing professionally, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He also played overseas in Italy and Israel and became an All-Star performer in the NBA Development League, earning recognition as one of the league's top scorers.

Proven Coaching Experience

Johnson has served as Jackson State's associate head coach for the past four seasons, helping develop several of the SWAC's top performers. He began his collegiate coaching career at Alabama State in 2020 as associate head coach under Williams, playing a key role in player development, recruiting, and game strategy during his two seasons there.

Johnson takes over for Williams, who resigned last month to become an assistant at Kentucky.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.