Interim head coach Clemon (Clem) Johnson takes over the Alaska men's basketball program from previous coach Frank Ostanik. Johnson, a former college and NBA player brings over 25 years of athletics experience as a player and coach.

Johnson spent his college years playing for Florida A&M University (1974-78) where he still holds the record for rebounds in a single game (25), rebounds in a season (412), and career rebounds (1,494). He is also is still in the top twenty for career scoring with 1,381 points. A dedicated scholar as well as standout player, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and later a Master's Degree in Sports Management.

Following college Johnson was drafted in the NBA by the Portland Trailblazers in 1978, he was chosen in the 2nd round and 22nd overall. He played 761 total professional games with four different teams. After a year in Portland, Johnson switched clubs in favor of the Indiana Pacers for four seasons. Late in the 1982-83 season, he moved to the Philadelphia 76ers where he centered the team, which included "Dr. J" (Julius Erving) and that year's league MVP Moses Malone. Johnson and the 76ers went on to capture the NBA Championship that season, the third and most recent national title in franchise history. Johnson stayed in Philadelphia for three seasons before closing out his NBA career with a two-year stretch with the Seattle Supersonics that ended in 1988.

Upon ending his NBA career, Johnson played internationally in Italy for five years where he made several contacts that he utilizes today.

After retiring from his playing days, Johnson opted to pursue other opportunities in the sport, and began his coaching career at the high school level. He coached at two high schools in Florida over an eight-year span, compiling a high school head coaching record of 184-60. Collectively he led his high school teams to three High School Sweet 16 or better appearances and seven district championship titles. In 2004, he was named the Big Bend Regional Coach of the year after guiding East Gadsden High School to a 27-4 season (2003-2004).

In 2006 Johnson took an internship with the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), working in basketball operations, allowing him to participate in the daily functions of the franchise. In addition to his basketball operations responsibilities, he was able to assist the coaching staff, players, scouts, management and the marketing and ticket departments.