Ray Johnson Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
A native of Decatur, Georgia, Ray Johnson joins South Georgia Technical College after successfully guiding the Tuskegee University men’s basketball team to an impressive 11-3 conference record in the second semester and a No. 2 overall seed in the 2023 SIAC tournament. Before his time at Tuskegee, Johnson served as an assistant coach at Columbus State University and Hawaii Pacific University from 2020 to 2023, where he focused on player development, strength and conditioning, and scouting.
From 2019 to 2023, Johnson was also part of the All-Army men’s basketball coaching staff, which secured both gold and silver medals in the Armed Forces Tournament Championship. Throughout his military career, he has coached teams that traveled internationally to Guam, Korea, and Japan, building lasting relationships with numerous Division I programs, including TCU, Texas, North Florida, VCU, and Georgia Tech.
In the 2017-2018 season, Johnson was an assistant coach at Indiana University Southeast, where he helped the Grenadiers achieve a 24-9 record, become River States Conference runners-up, and reach the NAIA Sweet 16. During his tenure, he coached three NAIA All-Americans and the conference’s scoring leader.
Johnson began his collegiate coaching career at Augusta State University in 2016, where the team finished with a 24-8 record, claimed the regular season Peach Belt Conference Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Division II Southeast Region semifinals. He also had the privilege of coaching the Peach Belt Player of the Year.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Johnson has valuable experience on the operations side of athletics, having worked with Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball, the Louisville Sports Commission, ESPN Heisman House, Ironman, and the University of Louisville.
Alongside his coaching duties, Johnson will serve as an instructor in the Sports and Fitness Management Program. He and his wife, Mari, reside in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, and have five children.
Bachelors
East Mississippi and McCook College
Masters
Concordia University, Coaching and Sports Administration
“Ray’s knowledge of the game of basketball is off the charts and his expertise in communicating that knowledge would be a huge advantage to South Georgia Tech. He is a true team player, and always fosters positive discussions and brings the best out of all that are connected to him.”
“South Georgia Tech has hit a deep “3” on this hire. Ray Johnson is way more than a basketball coach. He walks the walk, instilling discipline, commitment, and consistency which embody the growth of not only the young men in the program but the entire campus and surrounding community. Ray’s success and passion for life has set personal high standards that translate and are necessary for sustained athletic, academic, and social impact that his player will embrace on a daily basis. Ray’s servant heart will truly shine in the light being a difference in everyone’s life.”
“Coach Johnson is a fantastic hire! He is a tireless worker. His experience is unmatched. Having worked on various levels all over the country, he has been a part of winning traditions in every program he has been a part of. I look forward to watching the continued growth and impact he will have on the program at South Georgia Tech.”
“Coach Johnson will bring outstanding positive energy and tremendous work ethic every single day on the job. He is a fantastic hire that will impact the program in all areas and the community immediately.”
“Coach Johnson is a tremendous hire for South Georgia Tech. His energy and enthusiasm will have an immediate impact within the program, school, and community. His background in coaching and his professional career provides him the necessary tools to get the job done, and help elevate the program to new heights.”