Davon Smith Johnson: The Next Chapter
The year was 2020, and it was year two of the free basketball showcase in Northeast Ohio. We saw something special in 6’6” small forward Davon Smith Johnson. At the time, his high school coach—a former NBA player, said Davon – was one of his best players, a true two-way talent who competed at a high level on both ends of the floor. College interest was building.
I remember telling a former coach at an HBCU in Tennessee that he needed to sign Davon Smith Johnson. In my eyes, he was a Division I prospect without a Division I home. At the time, it felt like the perfect fit. But, as with many student-athletes across the country, things don’t always work out as planned once they arrive on campus. That’s just part of the college journey.
Eventually, Von Smith Johnson left school altogether.
But he wasn’t done.
Photo by Ian Cunningham
In 2023, I got a message from the head coach at Bryant & Stratton (USCAA) in Albany, New York. He said, “I’m looking for an impact wing who’s 6’5” or taller and plays both ends of the floor.” I replied, “I know someone who might be interested.” That message changed everything.
At the time, Von Smith Johnson was working at a factory as a hose master and still playing in men’s leagues. His love for the game hadn’t faded. He still had the dream—and the drive—to earn his college degree. So, he made the decision to give school another shot and headed to Albany. That season, he thrived.
Davon and his teammates at Bryant & Stratton made a run to the USCAA Final Four, ultimately falling to the eventual champions, The Apprentice School, by nine points in the semifinals Still, the season was a major success. Von earned USCAA Division I All-American honors, averaging an impressive 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.
His standout play caught the attention of coaches closer to home. Knowing he wanted to climb to an even higher level; Davon accepted an opportunity at a strong junior college: Henry Ford College in Michigan.
Photo by Ian Cunningham
At Henry Ford, things clicked once again. As a 6’7” small forward, he averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and nearly 2 assists per game while shooting 55% from the field. The Hawks earned a spot in the NJCAA D2 National Tournament in Danville, Illinois, entering as the 13-seed.
In the opening round, they beat Southeast Community College by 10 points, with Von contributing 16 points and 7 rebounds. In the next round, they faced the 4-seed Parkland CC. In a heartbreaking finish, the Hawks lost by just 2 points. Davon had another strong showing—13 points on 3-of-4 shooting and 7 rebounds. The team played two more games in Danville before their season came to a close.
So, what’s next for Davon Smith Johnson?
He’s finished with junior college basketball, but his journey is far from over. Davon already has offers on the table from D1, D2, and top NAIA programs. His 3.5 GPA will definitely help. He’s simply waiting for the right fit. If there’s one thing he’s learned along the way, it’s the value of patience—and how one closed door can lead to a better one down the road.
Davon is thankful for every step of his journey. He’s worked in a factory and realized that wasn’t the life he wanted. He’s battled through adversity, made the postseason at two different college levels, and now finds himself being heavily recruited by programs across the country.
Davon Smith Johnson knows this is just the beginning. He’s ready to write the next chapter of his hoops journey—and in doing so, inspire the next high school player who needs a little motivation to keep going.
His future is bright.
(You can follow Davon’s X account @VonSmithJohnson and Instagram account @2.Von)
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