USD Magazine Spring 2009

[ d e d i c a t i o n ] STANDING STRONG Injury won’t deter Johnson from his goals on and off the court

B randon Johnson was sim- ply doing what’s expected of a leader on a basketball court. He leaped in the air to tip away a lobbed pass, exhibiting his usual quickness and athleticism. Although he still lunged for the loose ball, Johnson felt a sensation “like someone kicked me.” The USD point guard tried to get up, but just as quickly fell to the court. He tried once more, but fell again. “I knew it was bad.” In an instant, what was sup- posed to be his senior season was over. His teammates grew silent as they watched him roll on the floor in agony just before halftime during the December game against San Diego State. He’d ruptured an Achilles’ tendon in his left heel. Now, the 2008 West Coast Conference Tournament MVP will be out of commission while undergoing what’s certain to be a long rehabilitation. Johnson has appeared in 105 of 106 possible USD games, lead- ing last year’s team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The injury is a heartbreaker, but Johnson is facing this new reality with maturity. “It’s my first major injury, my first surgery,” he says, referring to a medical procedure he under- went two days after that sicken- ing on-court moment. “I don’t want anyone to pity me, there’s plenty of other people going through a tougher time than I am. I’m trying to keep it positive. I have faith in God. I don’t want a pity party.” The injury has impacted the 22- year-old’s plans, both on- and off- court. Johnson was to complete a sociology degree in May, but if by Ryan T. Blystone

played nationally televised games. “When I make a shot, I touch my shoulder. It’s to make sure he knows it’s for him,” he says, glancing at the letters “BJ” and numbers “05-1-07” tattooed on his right shoulder. “I dedicate everything I do to him.” If there is a bright side to the injury, it’s that it refocuses Johnson’s attention on his educa- tion, helping him to realize anew that even when his ball-playing days are over, his degree from USD will always be there. “Everyone’s proud back home that I’m going to graduate. They look at me as a role model,” he says. “It’s been a long road, but for my son, I want him to know it’s a big accomplishment, too.”

he’s granted an NCAA medical redshirt year, he’ll play as a fifth- year senior next season and will take courses for a business minor. For now, he plans to spend more quality time with his 20- month-old son, Brandon Ryan Johnson, who lives in Houston with the toddler’s mother, Brittany Harrison, a junior at Texas Southern University. School and basketball commitments have limited him to only a few extend- ed visits. “It’s been really hard thinking about him being back at home. I’m only able to see him twice a year, but when I do go home, he still calls me ‘Daddy.’” Johnson says basketball has helped him bond with his child, especially last year when USD

PHOTO OF KIVA HERMAN BY BROCK SCOTT

cipline in their lives and discipline on the court,”Fisher says.“These girls knowwhat it takes to win and they know they can’t take a day off if they’re going to be successful.” The team hasn’t had many off-days this season (at press time, their overall record stood at 12-6) but the Toreros won’t be satisfied until they return to the NCAA Tournament in March. “We knowwhat it takes to get there,” Herman says.“We have to work even harder to do it again.”

TOM KOVTAN

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