Newest Hall of Fame Member

Cooley · April 19, 2015

Author of 350 assists and the newest member of the North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame, Walter "Weasel" Johnson. pic.twitter.com/bvOZjn3sFG
— MeanGreenBasketball (@MeanGreenMBB)
April 18, 2015

Congrats "Weasel"

Walter "Weasel" Johnson (men's basketball) - Johnson was the dynamic point guard for the most prolific-scoring and entertaining teams in school history. He set the school record for assists in a single season in 1976-77 with 208, averaging 7.7 per game. In his first season with NT in 1975-76, he dished out 142 assists as the Mean Green scored 96 points per game and won a then school-record 22 games. In 1976-77, NT won 21 games and averaged 87.5 points a game. Johnson quarterbacked the Mean Green to wins over Baylor, Arizona State, SMU, Kansas State, TCU, Tulsa and Creighton. North Texas scored over 100 points 16 times in his two seasons as point guard. He scored 13.5 points a game his first year and 14.4 points a game his senior season. He was the first player in school history to play 1,000 minutes in a season, and has the second highest minutes per game average in history at 37.0 in 1976-77.

1975-1976 Team

Terry Bailey, 6-8 Jr. F-C Crandall, TX (HCJC-TVCC) - 1st Team All-Conference, JUCO AA
Fred Mitchell, 6-7 Sr. SF Amarillo, TX (Palo Duro HS) - 1st Team All-State (Class 4A POY}
Melvin Davis, 6-8 So PF Greenville, TX (Greenville HS) - 1st Team All-State
Kenneth Williams, 6-7 So C Dallas, TX (SOC HS) 1st Team Class 4-A All-St (Natl rbs Leader)
"Weasel Johnson , 6-0 Jr PG Houston Milby HS (All Conference @ McLennan JC)
Carl Jones, 6-3 Jr SG Wichita, TX (Wichita Fall HS) - 1st Team All State
Waymond Lister, 6-3 Fr. G/F Dallas, TX (SOC HS) 1st Team All State – TX All-Star Game MVP
Larry Spruuell, 6-2 So SG Petrolia, TX (Petrolia HS)
Danny Kaspar, 6-3 So SG Corpus Christi, TX (King HS) All-State 3rd Team
Greg Boyd, 6-3 JR PG Denton, TX (Denton High) 1st Team All Denton County
Ed King, 6-3 Jr SG Chicago, Ill
Norvel Miles, 6-3 Jr, SF Dallas, TX (SOC) 2nd Team All-Dist.All Conf.- Lon Morris JC
Paul Tedder, 6-9 Jr, C Richardson, TX

Head Coach - Bill Blakeley Asst. Coach - Jimmy Gales Asst. Coach -Billy Tubbs

76-77 Additions

James Gamble, 6-2 FR PG Port Arthur, TX (Lincoln) All-State
Charles Gardner ,6-7 FR SF Search, Ark
Charles McMillian , 6-3 SO BG/SF Dallas, TX (SOC) 1st Team All-State - Juco A-APOY (Tyler JC)
Jon Manning ,6-2 Jr. SG Pontiac, MI (Transfer from OK City) 1st All-State in MI.
Ken Robinson, 6-8 So PF Paris, TX (All-Regional Selection
Craig Smoak, 6-7 PF Sr. Brooklyn, NY
Danny Wise, 6-6 SF SO Houston, TX (Milby)
Mark Piepenbrook, 6-1 PG Fr Richardson, TX (Richardson HS)

Head Coach - Bill Blakeley Asst. Coach - Jimmy Gales Asst. Coach - Jim Moffit

Edited April 20, 2015 by Cooley

drex · April 19, 2015

The '75-'76 team was probably the best team ever to hit the floor for North Texas....Joe Hamilton and Crest Whitaker's team in the late 60's was really good, too. They played in the Missouri Valley conference, so their record is not as gaudy as the '75-'76 team, but they might be the second best team of all at North Texas.

untgeorge · April 19, 2015

I would vote for the Whitaker etc teams as best. The 75-76 team probably had more talent but did not play defense, for instance giving up more than 100 pts 4 times and 90 or more than 90 pts 4 more times.

CMJ · April 19, 2015

I would vote for the Whitaker etc teams as best. The 75-76 team probably had more talent but did not play defense, for instance giving up more than 100 pts 4 times and 90 or more than 90 pts 4 more times.

Well, if their style was to run and run, that is to be expected though? The Loyola Marymount team that went to the Elite 8 gave up about 108 ppg. However, they scored 122 ppg.

I am sure people would say that was their best all time team, even though they weren't what you'd call a lock down defensive squad.

Cooley · April 19, 2015

I would vote for the Whitaker etc teams as best. The 75-76 team probably had more talent but did not play defense, for instance giving up more than 100 pts 4 times and 90 or more than 90 pts 4 more times.

Bill Blakeley would certainly agree with you about defense. The goal was to outscore the opponent and possibly break the scoreboard (100+). This style is what helped attract top players to North Texas and fans in the stands. It also helped land high school head coach Jimmy Gales and his run and gun style from Dallas' SOC. Gales' teams were also known for its triple digit points in Dallas. Though defense was not a focus, Blakeley did, however, feel that is was crucial to have good rebounders and shot blockers to help start fast breaks. Also, quickness on the floor to employ a relentless full court press.

It was even more impressive when you consider that there was no shot clock or 3-pt shots. Also, dunking was not allowed in 75-76. (technical foul). As a personal protest, he oftened praised his kids for actually dunking in games. Blakeley felt that the game was meant to be entertaining; which attracted record Super Pit crowds (despite an enrollment of only 17k) During his first 3 years of 20+ seasons, the team only suffered 2 losses at home. The 75-76 squad still holds the school record for the highest % of wins in a season. (22-4 record - Didn't play as many games)

As has been pointed out previously, many of the 75-76 players were already in place (from the Gene Robbins regime). Blakeley's arrival, along with the addition of Weasel Johnson, was the impetus for the success of the program. Weasel's impact was certainly Hall of Fame worthy.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Cooley

KRAM1 · April 19, 2015

Very humble guy too. Made a very heartfelt acceptance speech. Loved watching him play...glad I got to see him inducted in the HOF.

Well deserved honor.

Cooley · April 19, 2015

KRAM, Weasel is clearly my favorite basketball player of all-time! We were friends but not close friends. What I remember most about him is after his career was over. Having just completed a future Hall of Fame career, he'd often come over to the Men's gym and play with a team I coached and played on. As the coach, I would instruct our guys and Weasel what to do. Not once did he project an attitude of arrogance or superiority and helped me during practice. I agree, very genuine.

Unfortunately, I totally forgot about the Hall of Fame ceremony earlier but was able to make the Spring Game on time. Actually shared the photo with Ken Williams on facebook.

drex · April 20, 2015

Speaking of Ken Williams...let's not forget that he held the record for total rebounds in a season NATIONALLY.

UNTLifer · April 20, 2015

I was a 10-11 yearold when he played. He always stopped and asked,how our elementary school team was doing and encouraged us.

Cooley · April 20, 2015

Congrats "Weasel"

Walter "Weasel" Johnson (men's basketball) - Johnson was the dynamic point guard for the most prolific-scoring and entertaining teams in school history. He set the school record for assists in a single season in 1976-77 with 208, averaging 7.7 per game. In his first season with NT in 1975-76, he dished out 142 assists as the Mean Green scored 96 points per game and won a then school-record 22 games. In 1976-77, NT won 21 games and averaged 87.5 points a game. Johnson quarterbacked the Mean Green to wins over Baylor, Arizona State, SMU, Kansas State, TCU, Tulsa and Creighton. North Texas scored over 100 points 16 times in his two seasons as point guard. He scored 13.5 points a game his first year and 14.4 points a game his senior season. He was the first player in school history to play 1,000 minutes in a season, and has the second highest minutes per game average in history at 37.0 in 1976-77.

1975-1976 Team

Terry Bailey, 6-8 Jr. F-C Crandall, TX (HCJC-TVCC) - 1st Team All-Conference, JUCO AA
Fred Mitchell, 6-7 Sr. SF Amarillo, TX (Palo Duro HS) - 1st Team All-State (Class 4A POY}
Melvin Davis, 6-8 So PF Greenville, TX (Greenville HS) - 1st Team All-State
Kenneth Williams, 6-7 So C Dallas, TX (SOC HS) 1st Team Class 4-A All-St (Natl rbs Leader)
"Weasel Johnson , 6-0 Jr PG Houston Milby HS (All Conference @ McLennan JC)
Carl Jones, 6-3 Jr SG Wichita, TX (Wichita Fall HS) - 1st Team All State
Waymond Lister, 6-3 Fr. G/F Dallas, TX (SOC HS) 1st Team All State – TX All-Star Game MVP
Larry Spruuell, 6-2 So SG Petrolia, TX (Petrolia HS)
Danny Kaspar, 6-3 So SG Corpus Christi, TX (King HS) All-State 3rd Team
Greg Boyd, 6-3 JR PG Denton, TX (Denton High) 1st Team All Denton County
Ed King, 6-3 Jr SG Washington DC
Norvel Miles, 6-3 Jr, SF Dallas, TX (SOC) 2nd Team All-Dist.All Conf.- Lon Morris JC
Paul Tedder, 6-9 Jr, C Richardson, TX

Head Coach - Bill Blakeley Asst. Coach - Jimmy Gales Asst. Coach -Billy Tubbs

76-77 Additions

James Gamble, 6-2 FR PG Port Arthur, TX (Lincoln) All-State
Charles Gardner ,6-7 FR SF Search, Ark
Charles McMillian , 6-3 SO BG/SF Dallas, TX (SOC) 1st Team All-State - Juco A-APOY (Tyler JC)
Jon Manning ,6-2 Jr. SG Pontiac, MI (Transfer from OK City) 1st All-State in MI.
Ken Robinson, 6-8 So PF Paris, TX (All-Regional Selection
Craig Smoak, 6-7 PF Sr. Brooklyn, NY
Danny Wise, 6-6 SF SO Houston, TX (Milby)
Mark Piepenbrook, 6-1 PG Fr Richardson, TX (Richardson HS)

Head Coach - Bill Blakeley Asst. Coach - Jimmy Gales Asst. Coach - Jim Moffit

http://mens.meangreenbasketball.com/images/traditionslideshow-1975.jpg

UNT90 · April 20, 2015

http://mens.meangreenbasketball.com/images/traditionslideshow-1975.jpg

Love the big fros.

eulessismore · April 20, 2015

Man, what a blast from the past! Those basketball games were a lot of fun to watch. Unlike the football games at the time, with about half the "home" games being at old Texas Stadium, the basketball games were a short walk for some great sports viewing, and many of the professors in my department "encouraged' attendance. Not that it was all that hard of a sell.

FirefightnRick · April 20, 2015

http://mens.meangreenbasketball.com/images/traditionslideshow-1975.jpg

.

Dear lord, what I would give to have one of those jerseys. So freaking cool!!!! And there's Jimmy Gayles in that pic too. Awesome!

Question: Is the coach on the left Robert or Allen Hale?

Rick

Edited April 20, 2015 by FirefightnRick

Cooley · April 20, 2015

Coach on the left is Billy Tubbs: (Bill Blakeley - Middle) (Jimmy Gales - Right):

Billy Tubbs left NTSU after the 75-76 season and absolutely blew up as a Top National Coach

1976-1977 Lamar 12-17 6-4 3rd
1977-1978 Lamar 18-9 8-2 2nd
1978-1979 Lamar 23-9 9-1 1st NCAA 2nd Round
1979-1980 Lamar 22-11 8-2 1st NCAA Sweet 16
Lamar: 75-46 (.620) 32-9 (.780)

Oklahoma (Big Eight Conference) (1980–1994)
1980-1981 Oklahoma 9-18 4-10 7th
1981-1982 Oklahoma 22-11 8-6 3rd NIT Semifinal
1982-1983 Oklahoma 24-9 10-4 2nd NCAA 2nd Round
1983-1984 Oklahoma 29-5 13-1 1st NCAA 2nd Round
1984-1985 Oklahoma 31-6 13-1 1st NCAA Elite 8
1985-1986 Oklahoma 26-9 8-6 T-3rd NCAA 2nd Round
1986-1987 Oklahoma 24-10 9-5 2nd NCAA Sweet 16
1987-1988 Oklahoma 35-4 12-2 1st NCAA Runner-Up
1988-1989 Oklahoma 30-6 12-2 1st NCAA Sweet 16
1989-1990 Oklahoma 27-5 11-3 T-2nd NCAA 2nd Round
1990-1991 Oklahoma 20-15 5-9 T-6th NIT Runner-Up
1991-1992 Oklahoma 21-9 8-6 T-2nd NCAA 1st Round
1992-1993 Oklahoma 20-12 7-7 T-5th NIT 2nd Round
1993-1994 Oklahoma 15-13 6-8 5th NIT 1st Round
Oklahoma: 333-132 (.716) 118-64 (.648)

Texas Christian Horned Frogs (SWC/WAC/C-USA) (1994–2002)
1994-1995 TCU 16-11 8-6 T-3rd
1995-1996 TCU 16-14 6-8 4th
1996-1997 TCU 22-13 7-9 T-4th (Mountain) NIT 2nd Round
1997-1998 TCU 27-6 14-0 1st (Pacific) NCAA 1st Round
1998-1999 TCU 21-11 7-7 T-4th (Mountain) NIT 3rd Round
1999-2000 TCU 18-14 8-6 4th
2000-2001 TCU 20-11 9-7 4th
2001-2002 TCU 16-15 6-10 T-4th
TCU: 156-93 (.627) 65-53(.551)

Lamar Cardinals (Southland Conference) (2003–2006) - AD

Edited April 20, 2015 by Cooley

GrandGreen · April 23, 2015

The '75-'76 team was probably the best team ever to hit the floor for North Texas....Joe Hamilton and Crest Whitaker's team in the late 60's was really good, too. They played in the Missouri Valley conference, so their record is not as gaudy as the '75-'76 team, but they might be the second best team of all at North Texas.

My vote goes to Whitaker, Hamilton team in close vote. Both teams were fast break teams, but the MVC team also pressed most of the game. The early Blakeley teams were much deeper, but Winfield, Hamilton and Hamilton in my view were better than anyone on the later team.