By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Jan 10, 2016 at 1:33 PM

John Johnson, a Milwaukee Messmer High School basketball player who had a good career as a professional, was found dead this week at his home in San Jose, Calif.

He was 68. No cause of death was reported. 

Johnson was one of the best basketball players to ever play in Milwaukee and ended up going to the University of Iowa in 1968, where he was followed one year later by "Downtown" Freddie Brown, who played at Lincoln High School.

Johnson still holds the two two scoring performances in Iowa history, including a 46-point day against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Johnson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1969 draft and was followed two years later when Brown was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics.

The two, who had played against each other in high school became an integral part of the Sonics.

Johnson, a small forward, and Brown, who made the All-Star team and was shooting guard, led the Sonics to an NBA title in the 1978-79 season.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.