DALLAS, Texas - Vernon Johnson is a senior guard from DeSoto, Texas, that has taken pride in being a foundational member of the UNT Dallas men's basketball program. Johnson remains from the inaugural season the program started in 2020-21 and has been part of the transition for UNTD to NAIA and the Sooner Athletic Conference. Johnson was named Sooner Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2021-22 and is a three-time SAC All-Conference Honorable Mention recipient.
 
"Starting a collegiate basketball program from the ground has been a challenging journey and is still in the early stages," Johnson reflected. "This process has tested my will and built resilience in my character. The program has progressively gotten better over the last few years."
 
Johnson is the first player to compete from his freshman to senior season, first for UNT Dallas men's basketball to eclipse 1,000 career points (2020-21 stats non-official due to provisional year) and was the first in the program to earn awards in the Sooner Athletic Conference highlighted by his first-year major award.
 
"Receiving awards Freshman of the Year and several honorable mentions, it is difficult to narrow down just one core memory," Johnson thought. "I have truly learned firsthand and pick the mind of former a NBA player, Josh Howard, as my head coach. I am grateful to everyone who has worn a UNT Dallas jersey because I have learned something from each person who has played a role in this program." Johnson continued, "Whether it is a mindset, a new move, or a different perspective, everything has contributed to my growth as a student-athlete."
 
Johnson has been an Association of Student-Athletes representative and will serve again during his final year at UNTD. He has helped impact the student-athletes during the men's basketball programs and athletic department's early growth on the campus.
 
"Vernon Johnson Jr. is the type of student-athlete that UNTD embodies," Head Men's Basketball Coach Josh Howard praised. "He is a man of the community and loves being involved for the betterment of others. Johnson has an awesome supportive family that has molded him into an amazing leader. His moral compass is amazing and his dedication to school work and basketball is second to none."
 
Johnson remained local for his education and has been able to be part of a core that is developing UNT Dallas athletics and also giving back to his local community through service and leadership.
 
"Getting to stay home where I have grown up my whole life and help start the foundation for a prestigious program is a dream come true," Johnson stated. "I used to pass by the university on my way to practice at Gilliam Collegiate Academy, which was less than a minute from the university. I would have never thought that I would be here as a key player for this basketball team. It is truly amazing how life comes full circle. I feel like I have truly embodied the UNT Dallas mascot, being a Trailblazer. I can never forget how everything I am doing at this school as a student-athlete is pioneering and will be remembered throughout UNT Dallas history."
 
Beyond the court, Johnson helps with community involvement on campus and in the surrounding area of campus. He has been helped with local mobile food pantries and been identified as a leader for the athletic department during his time as a student-athlete at UNTD.
 
Johnson is a four-year student-athlete with UNT Dallas men's basketball, which includes three seasons of countable statistics with the team as a member of the NAIA and SAC. Johnson headlines the program record books with 72 career games played and 70 starts. Johnson is the all-time leader in scoring with 968 points, 345 made field goals, 511 rebounds, 158 assists, 143 steals, and 19 blocks.
 
"I am thankful to be the first student-athlete in UNT Dallas history to be a true senior to graduate and be the first 1,000-point scorer for the men's basketball program," Johnson stated. "It's been an honor and a blessing to be a trailblazer at this university."
 
Johnson wants his final year to be a memorable one at UNT Dallas and heads to the court ready to lead the team to new heights on the floor and be a leader in the community. He hopes the foundation laid can pave the path for future Trailblazers.
 
"A major goal for this year is to take one game at a time and would love to hold up a Sooner Athletic Conference Championship trophy and compete nationally in the NAIA national tournament in my final season," Johnson answered when discussing this year's goals. "After graduating, I plan to pursue my dreams and take my talents to play professionally. I also have a desire to pursue a career in physical therapy.
 
Johnson is majoring in biology with a minor in business.