
Episode #52
Coach Tom Johnson - Barlow Basketball HC: Athletics is an Extension of the Classroom
Coach Tom Johnson Coach Tom Johnson (“TJ”) is the longtime head coach of boys basketball at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon. He started at Lebanon before taking over the Bruins in 1987. Now in his 40th season at Barlow (43rd overall), he ranks among Oregon’s all-time winningest coaches with over 700+ wins. His teams have earned multiple league titles, frequent state tournament berths, several semifinal runs, a 1996 state final appearance, and Barlow’s first Class 6A title in 2025. That year he was named 6A Coach of the Year, and Gresham declared March 16 “Coach Tom Johnson Day.” A former English teacher at Barlow (retired 2024) and college player, Johnson is known for mentoring players and building character. In this episode Coach Johnson shares his journey from a young player to a seasoned coach, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with players and creating a culture of core values. He discusses his coaching philosophy, the challenges, and the significance of mentorship in his career. The conversation also delves into practice structure, performance tracking, and strategies for managing momentum during games, providing valuable insights for aspiring coaches and basketball enthusiasts. Coach Johnson shares insights on emphasizing the importance of integrating game situations into practice, fostering a fun environment for players, and the significance of character development over winning. He reflects on his experiences leading a state championship team, and the evolution of coaching philosophies. Coach Johnson also discusses the role of team culture, shared leadership, and the impact of setbacks on growth, while highlighting the importance of building relationships with players and maintaining accountability. Takeaways: -Athletics is an extension of the classroom. -Team Values -History, Heroes, Hardships, Hope -3 Things you should do Everyday -Relational Excellence -Unselfishness is the most important lesson to teach. -Bruin Briefs: Daily practice starts with a message to the team. -Practice structure should be competitive and efficient. -Tracking statistics helps tell the story of the game. -The Importance of Defensive Charges -Coaching requires constant improvement and adaptation. -Character over Winning -Don’t forget about Fun! -Team dinners and Breaking bread -Disappointments provide the greatest opportunities for growth and learning. -Communication should be direct and daily -A King will give his kingdom away for a great PG #Coaching #Basketball #Barlowbasketball #OregonHSBasketball #HighSchoolHoops Photo Credit : Courtesy of Tom Johnson https://linktr.ee/The_Coachers_Podcast






