Stew Johnson

Stewart "Stew" Johnson (born August 19, 1944 in Clairton, Pennsylvania) is a former professional basketball player. A 6'8" forward/center from Murray State University, Johnson was selected by the New York Knicks in the third round of the 1966 NBA Draft. However, Johnson never played in the NBA, joining the rival American Basketball Association instead.

Johnson played nine seasons (1967–1976) in the ABA with seven different franchises: the Kentucky Colonels (1967–68), New Jersey Americans (1967–68), New York Nets (1968–69), Houston Mavericks (1968–69), Pittsburgh Pipers (1969–70), Pittsburgh Condors (1971–72), Carolina Cougars (1971–72), San Diego Conquistadors (1972-73 to 1974-75), Memphis Sounds (1974–75), Baltimore Claws (1975–76), San Diego Sails (1975–76) and San Antonio Spurs (1975–76). Over his long career, Johnson wore many uniform numbers: 2, 7, 10, 11, 13, 20, 23, 24, and 41.

In his ABA career Johnson scored 10,538 career points. He was known for his sweet shooting stroke. He had the ability to drain long jumpers and had range out to the three point arc. He filled in admirably at center for the '71-'72 Cougar team after Jim McDaniels ignored his contract with the Cougars and jumped to Seattle of the NBA. He also made three ABA All-Star Game appearances (1973, 1974 and 1975), twice as a member of the San Diego Conquistadors and once as a member of the Memphis Sounds. He set the ABA single-game scoring record when he erupted for 62 points against The Floridians on March 6, 1971; his record lasted almost a year until Zelmo Beaty scored 63 points against the Pittsburgh Condors on February 21, 1972.