First-year University of Denver women’s basketball coach Erik Johnson tips off a new era Saturday in an exhibition game against Adams State.
The rookie coach was hired in April to replace Pam Tanner, who led the Pioneers for 13 seasons.
Johnson, from San Jose, Calif., played basketball at the University of San Diego, then received his master’s degree at Rhode Island. He was he was an assistant on the Rhode Island women’s team that went to the 1996 NCAA Tournament, then was an assistant coach at San Diego and an associate head coach at Boston College, getting to the Sweet 16 in 2006.
He discussed life and his first head coaching job this week with DU beat writer Mike Chambers.
Q: Until now, you’ve either been on the West Coast or the East Coast. How does it feel to be more in the middle of the country?
A: My wife (Laura) lived in Colorado Springs, even after we were married, because she was playing for the U.S. volleyball team and lived at the Olympic Training Center. So I came out here as much as I could, and on the recruiting side, I spent a lot of time recruiting in Colorado. My point guard at Boston College this past year was Jaclyn Thoman, a Highlands Ranch kid who won a couple of state titles here. I spent a lot of time recruiting here, and when I was at the University of San Diego, one of our best players was Tiara Harris, a kid from Colorado Springs. So I’ve been coming to the state tournament here for years, and know the state is hungry for girls basketball, and I have a familiarity with the state.
Q: DU has put a lot of emphasis into basketball. Do you feel the pressure?
A: I love it. That’s the idea. That’s why I came here. They’re committed. Yes, I feel it, but I don’t feel it as pressure.
Q: Are you a Coach K kind of guy?
A: I put up a Coach K quote the other day. He had a good one about putting emphasis on vocal communication, body language, vocal leadership and those things. He said: “I’ve had lots of players that come in and tell me they lead by example, and are the strong, silent type. We have a special place at Duke for people like that. It’s called the bench.” I put that up, reminding the kids Coach K and I agree on that for sure. John Wooden and I share a birthday (Oct. 14), so I’ve studied him and certainly have a connection with him, too.
Q: Best thing about living in Colorado?
A: Looking at my window here at the Rocky Mountains is beautiful. I think we have the best of everything. Just so much to do. You can’t beat it.
Q: First-year expectations at DU?
A: Process versus outcome. Making sure we establish the right culture, how we conduct business every day, what our work ethic and dedication is. The level of intensity. If I can get those things established, the wins will start to take care of themselves.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Top five
Things Erik Johnson enjoys to do with his children (daughters Daly, 6, and Avery, 4, and son Davis, 2):
1. Read
2. Bike and walk
3. Tickle tackle in basement
4. Make breakfast
5. Play tag and chase in the yard
