Monday, June 15, 1998
Kris Johnson
Men's Basketball
Johnson, one of the three Bruin seniors, exemplified what it means to be a part of the Bruin basketball family. His clutch shooting and on-court demeanor was truly important to the team. Johnson, also known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, was a key veteran in leading many of his younger teammates in this, his senior season. His forte, hitting late-game free-throws, was often the nail in the coffin of opposing teams.
Career highlights: He received honorable mention All-Pac-10, is No. 6 on UCLA all-time free-throw shooting percentage (80.7) and was the only player to rank in the Top 10 in all three of the leagues shooting charts in 1997-1998. He became only the 19th player in UCLA history to score over 35 or more points when he scored 36 against California on Jan. 13, 1996. Games started: 112-53; Career ppg: 11.6 ; Career rpg: 3.7; Career fg%: .509; Career minutes: 2617
Coach's quote: "He's one of the most intense and emotional competitors that I've had an opportunity to coach. He was some one in the clutch who hit big shots. He is just someone that would catch fire and you couldn't stop him."
-Head Coach Steve Lavin