Johnson of Montclair Prep to Follow in Dad’s Footsteps and Play at Crenshaw

Kris Johnson, whose father, Marques, was a basketball legend at Crenshaw High before gaining fame at UCLA and in the NBA, has transferred from Montclair Prep to Crenshaw.

Johnson will be eligible to play for the varsity after the City Section office verifies his change of residence. The Johnson family recently moved to the Crenshaw district after putting their West Los Angeles home up for sale.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5 junior, averaged 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game to rank among area leaders last season.

His father was selected to the 1972 All-City Section team and was the 1973 player of the year. Marques Johnson averaged 26 points and 18 rebounds a game in 1973 to lead the Cougars to their second City title.

After consulting former UCLA and NBA standout Walt Hazzard, Marques Johnson determined his son’s time would be better spent in his old neighborhood. Hazzard’s son, Jalal, also played for Crenshaw.

“Montclair Prep was a good school academically, but I believe Kris can get the same education at Crenshaw and it’s closer to home,” Marques Johnson said.

In addition to Johnson, Serra’s Reggie McFerrin and Maurice Robinson and Rico Laurie of Westchester have transferred to Crenshaw.