The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Feature: Steve Mitchell Believed in Aaron Johnson Since Day One
2/7/2020 2:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
One of the greatest aspects of playing collegiate athletics are the relationships that are formed. As a freshman, Aaron Johnson sought advice from one of the all-time Blazer greats Steve Mitchell, resulting in a bond that is still strong to this day.
"My advice to AJ was to arrive early to practice each day and always be the last player to leave the court," Mitchell told Johnson. "Show the coaches that you care and that the basketball was important to you. Be ready whenever the opportunity comes and take care of the basketball. I knew from my freshman experience, that turnovers and freshman were a bad combination to any head coach."
And he did take care of the ball, finishing his career with 664 assists, surpassing Mitchell's record of 597. As a senior, Johnson led the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game and set a single-season school record of 239 assists. He received AP All-American Honorable Mention accolades, was Conference USA Player of the Year as well as being named First-Team Conference USA, Conference USA All-Defensive Team and NABC All-District Second Team.
The duo are the only two players in program history to lead the team in assists all four years they played.
"When I first witnessed him have a major impact on the outcome of a game without even taking a shot was during his freshman year. I knew he was a natural leader that hated losing, and he didn't hesitate to call out teammates that did not come ready to play," said Mitchell.
Mitchell was right. Johnson led the Blazers to 95 total victories and a 2011 NCAA tournament berth along with three NIT appearances.
Stats aside, Mitchell credits Johnson's heart and relentless work ethic is what has made him an all-time UAB great. "He was small in stature, but he often had the biggest heart on the court. He was fearless. He did not care how big and strong opponents were. He had the unique ability to will his team to victory with how hard he played on both ends of the court, and he made countless plays to win close games. Aaron was truly a warrior that got it done."
Johnson will join Mitchell in a different way on Saturday afternoon – immortalized in the rafters of Bartow Arena as his #1 will be retired at halftime during the Blazers' game against North Texas.
"To have my jersey in the rafters with six other UAB greats is something I never imagined. I am truly grateful and honored to be recognized for the love and passion I gave to the game and UAB," said Johnson.
"My advice to AJ was to arrive early to practice each day and always be the last player to leave the court," Mitchell told Johnson. "Show the coaches that you care and that the basketball was important to you. Be ready whenever the opportunity comes and take care of the basketball. I knew from my freshman experience, that turnovers and freshman were a bad combination to any head coach."
And he did take care of the ball, finishing his career with 664 assists, surpassing Mitchell's record of 597. As a senior, Johnson led the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game and set a single-season school record of 239 assists. He received AP All-American Honorable Mention accolades, was Conference USA Player of the Year as well as being named First-Team Conference USA, Conference USA All-Defensive Team and NABC All-District Second Team.
The duo are the only two players in program history to lead the team in assists all four years they played.
"When I first witnessed him have a major impact on the outcome of a game without even taking a shot was during his freshman year. I knew he was a natural leader that hated losing, and he didn't hesitate to call out teammates that did not come ready to play," said Mitchell.
Mitchell was right. Johnson led the Blazers to 95 total victories and a 2011 NCAA tournament berth along with three NIT appearances.
Stats aside, Mitchell credits Johnson's heart and relentless work ethic is what has made him an all-time UAB great. "He was small in stature, but he often had the biggest heart on the court. He was fearless. He did not care how big and strong opponents were. He had the unique ability to will his team to victory with how hard he played on both ends of the court, and he made countless plays to win close games. Aaron was truly a warrior that got it done."
Johnson will join Mitchell in a different way on Saturday afternoon – immortalized in the rafters of Bartow Arena as his #1 will be retired at halftime during the Blazers' game against North Texas.
"To have my jersey in the rafters with six other UAB greats is something I never imagined. I am truly grateful and honored to be recognized for the love and passion I gave to the game and UAB," said Johnson.
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