36ers to honour modern-day club legend

Adelaide legend Daniel Johnson is officially departing the club ahead of NBL24, and the 36ers are set to honour their greatest player of the past decade by retiring his jersey during the upcoming season.

Johnson arrived at the 36ers following two seasons with the Melbourne Tigers, and across the past 13 seasons he has played 366 games for the club and has finished his tenure as the club’s third all-time appearance maker.

The seven time Mark Davis Trophy winner as the club’s MVP was also named to the All-NBL First team three times (2014, 2017 and 2018) and All-NBL Second Team three times (2013, 2016, 2019) as a member of the 36ers.

“I’d like to thank the 36ers organisation for deciding to retire my jersey,” Johnson said.

“To have my jersey hanging next to the legends of the club is something I’m very proud of.”

Johnson’s number 21 will hang in the rafters alongside two-time champion Darryl Pearce’s number four, three-time champion and former captain Brett Maher’s number five, star import and South Australian basketball legend Al Green’s number 15, and former MVP and three-time champion Mark Davis.

The 2012 NBL Most Improved Player is set to finish his NBL career with over 6160 points, 2731 rebounds, 687 assists, 220 blocks and 165 steals.

He is intending to finish his playing career overseas.

“DJ has been the face of the 36ers for over a decade and what he has done for this club and this city has been nothing short of phenomenal,” 36ers owner Grant Kelley said.

“I personally want to thank DJ for everything he has done for the 36ers and the city of Adelaide.

“The decision to retire his jersey was an easy one.”