Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus Nevada [Exh] on October 17, 2025
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Men's Basketball
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Driving To The Goal
12/11/2001 12:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 11, 2001
By Owen Jackson, Sports Information Student Assistant
As the 2001-02 basketball season begins, the Jon M. Huntsman Center is filled with excitement. One of the reasons why Ute fans are so eagerly anticipating the upcoming campaign is the return of forward Britton Johnsen.
The talented Murray, Utah, native is back for his junior year with the Runnin' Utes. After earning second team all-Mountain West Conference honors last season, Johnsen is looking forward to making this season his best yet.
"I am excited about this team," says Johnsen. "Everybody worked hard in the offseason to improve their individual games. We lifted weights and played basketball together, including a summer trip to Europe. We took boxing classes to improve our conditioning, and I feel more confident about us this year."
Not only is the starting forward excited about the team's condition, but he is also optimistic about his own health. "I've always had some kind of problem with my knees since coming to Utah," says Johnsen. "Usually by this time in the season my knees would have started hurting. But aside from taking a trip to Lake Powell and playing basketball, I stayed home over the summer and tried to rest and rehabilitate my knees after offseason surgery."
As a freshman in 1997-98, Johnsen fought-off early season knee problems to blossom into a key player off the bench during Utah's run to the national championship game against Kentucky. He averaged 6.2 points and 2.2 boards in 16.7 minutes during six NCAA Tournament games.
"It was really special to be able to make that journey with those guys," says Johnsen about his former teammates. "It would have been even sweeter if we would have won, but it was a dream come true to play in the championship game. Not too many people get that chance."
Last year, Johnsen had to get his basketball legs back after returning home from a two-year LDS Church mission in Houston, Texas. Once his game rounded back into form, Johnsen started 25 of the last 26 games. He averaged 9.2 points, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from the field, and 5.4 rebounds per game.
This year Johnson is excited to be healthy and is focused on the new season. The junior will look to lead the Utes towards another conference title and into postseason play
"It was hard to leave after experiencing the thrill of playing in the Final Four," admits Johnsen, "but then again, it wasn't a hard decision since I have always wanted to serve a mission."
Combining Johnsen's time away for a mission and head coach Rick Majerus taking a personal leave of absence in 2000-01, this season marks the first time in four years Johnsen has played under Majerus.
"Coach Majerus is one of the best coaches in the country," says Johnsen. "He is the icing on the cake because he has so much knowledge about the game of basketball. I know he is excited to be back coaching."
Majerus is not the only reason the 6-9, 213-pound forward chose to play basketball at the U. Among many other things, there was the opportunity to play with his older brother Jeff, who will conclude his Utah career this season.
"It is special to be able to play with your brother," says Johnsen. "After Jeff decided to play here, it was an easy decision for me. I feel we have a certain connection during the games and practices which helps the team out. It's fun to be able to see my brother and I wearing the same jersey."
In high school, Johnsen played basketball with another one of his brothers that many Ute fans don't know about. "My twin brother Brandon is probably my biggest fan," says Johnsen. "He is actually very athletic and had a good high school basketball career, but I got the height in the family." Johnsen is seven inches taller than his twin brother, who stands at 6-2.
This Ute has had a basketball either in his hand or close by for as long as he can remember. "My dad use to take my brothers and I to play all of the time," says Johnsen. "It always helped that we were taller than the other kids."
Johnsen has used his height to become a force on the court. Before a game he sits in the lockerroom and concentrates on who he is going to guard. "Our coaches do an unbelievable job of scouting the opposition, and that allows me to concentrate on not allowing my guy to score," Johnsen explains.
With five starters and nine letterwinners returning from a year ago, Utah has more experience than it did last season. Even though the Runnin' Utes are off to a 4-3 start, Johnsen is optimistic about the potential of this year's team.
"Our expectations shouldn't be limited," says Johnsen. "We have a talented team this year with the returners and the newcomers. I feel that we can reach our goals as a team. Coach [Majerus] is back and that will help the team succeed."
Healthy and focused on the season ahead, Johnsen hopes to lead the Utes to another conference title and into postseason play, building on what has already been a career full of great memories.
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