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.
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.
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