Nate Johnson choose Detroit Mercy to join new coaching staff
Grand Rapids Christian’s Nate Johnson dunks during the Division 1 state title game on Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Nate Johnson is excited for a new journey at a new school with a new coach.
The Grand Rapids Christian High School senior verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy on Tuesday.
“I chose Detroit Mercy because of their new coaching staff and the level of exposure being in Detroit brings,” Johnson said. “I thought it was the best fit for me for my basketball journey.”
Detroit Mercy hired former Michigan State assistant coach Mark Montgomery on April 3.
“What I like about Coach Montgomery is he’s a positive guy,” Johnson said. “You can tell he was a big piece while he was at MSU. Coach (LaMonta) Stone was the assistant coach at Eastern while they recruited me. I’ve seen the impact they’ve had on other players. Also coach Lamar Chapman, who was the coach at Caledonia, he’s a good guy and a good model.”
Johnson helped the Grand Rapids Christian team to one of the best seasons in school history. The Eagles finished 26-4 and reached the Division 1 state title game.
“Playing at Grand Rapids Christian was special to me,” Johnson said. “My last three years on varsity, I put in lots of reps. Coach Eric Taylor, Michael Miller, Damon Jones and Coach Desmond, they all impacted my journey while I was there. That’s a school that produces high-level athletes.”
Johnson averaged 13 points and five rebounds this season for the Eagles.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Nate Johnson,” Taylor said. “His dedication, hard work and passion has earned him the opportunity to play college basketball. He will be missed but I am excited about him chasing his childhood dream. I have enjoyed the journey coaching Nate and what he’s done for our basketball program.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound forward, had an offer from Central Michigan after his sophomore year, but then the offers slowed down. So was he discouraged to have to wait until after his senior season to find a new home?
“No. Honestly, it was all God’s timing,” he said. “I didn’t worry about it much. My coaches supported me through it.”
Montgomery spent the past three years on the MSU bench. Before that, he was the head coach at Northern Illinois.
Detroit Mercy fired coach Mike Davis after the team went 1-31 last season.
Grand Rapids Christian coach Eric Taylor and Nate Johnson during the news conference after the Division 1 state semifinal game on Friday, March 15, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).
