Hampden-Sydney College

A. Emerson Johnson III became H-SC’s first basketball All-American in 1952. A true leader on the court, Johnson dominated play under the basket for the Tigers. One of two All-Americans in Tiger hoop history, he finished his career fourth on the all-time scoring list with 1,400 points. He scored his career-high, 40 points, against Virginia Tech.

His coach, George Proctor, saw Johnson in the gym and turned his attention toward basketball. He made him shoot for hours each day when it didn’t interfere with his classes.

 Johnson was an All-Virginia Small College and a first-team Mason-Dixon Conference selection in 1952. He was co-captain his final two years. Johnson was a freshman in 1949 when the Tigers posted their best record ever, 22-3.

He is now president of the Educational Records Bureau in Wellesley, Massachusetts.