He was predicted to struggle to in obtaining sufficient SAT scores to be academically eligible, reportedly only receiving a scholarship offer from Rider.
[1] Johnson started his career with Polpharma Starogard Gdańsk in the Polish Basketball League, averaging 20 points and 5.8 assists in more than 36 minutes per game.
[19] After playing a few more games for Lietuvos rytas (none in the EuroLeague), Johnson returned to the Turkish league in January 2011, signing with Galatasaray for the rest of the season.
[27][28] Now captaining the squad, Johnson was a "driving force" for Astana,[29] leading them to another playoff appearance and domestic double (again a First Team selection in both the Kazakhstan league and cup).
[32] He was crucial in Astana's third consecutive playoff run, though they again stalled in the first round, heavily beaten by perennial champions CSKA Moscow, with his 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in game 3 not enough.
[33] That season also marked the European debut of Astana, in the third tier 2014–15 EuroChallenge, he led his team to the Last 16 of the competition, with a Week 2 MVP performance of 29 points (7 for 9 in three-point shots) and 13 assists.
[34] He also was selected in the All-Final Four Team of the Kazakhstani league as Astana won its fourth consecutive title,[35] though they did win the cup.
He accepted the offer, becoming the first naturalised player for Kazakhstan,[36] he was reunited with Astana head coach Matteo Boniciolli on the side.
[39] "He hurt his right shoulder in a bumping accident during a practice game with the PBA team San Mig Coffee and there is pain when he goes up for a three-pointer," said Boniciolli.
He was unable to represent Kazakhstan in the 2014 Asian Games, as Olympic Council of Asia rules required three years of residency.