In 2022, Newman was an afterthought in the prep basketball world. That’s when, of course, John Carroll called Jackson Johnson to offer him the head coaching job of the program.
The rest is history.
Since then, Johnson and Co. have rapidly built Newman into a powerhouse and put the Boston prep school on the map. This season, the Cardinals’ ascension reached their peak. They won a program record 38 games and captured three championships; the NEBL, their second consecutive NEPSAC Class AAA title and their first ever national prep championship crown.
Johnson joined the latest HoopWise podcast to discuss the program’s rise, how they built a national prep champion and the key players that helped Newman make history. The discussion also includes the changing realities of recruiting and how Newman has navigated those waters.
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Highlights
How have you processed this historic season now being more than a month removed from it?
Johnson: “I think you realize the further you get away from it, like how awesome the group was. At least for me, this year when I was in it, you’re so hyperfocused on preparation and all the things we have to do better and all the things that aren’t perfect, like we have to get right so we can win it, and that takes away from how awesome the group is, and now that you’re removed from it, you’re like, wow. You realize because now you’re recruiting other kids, and you have your group coming back and you’re starting to think about what that team looks like for next year, and it’s like man, that group was so connected and unselfish and mature and skilled and intelligent and care about winning and resilient and tough. They embodied all of the characteristics that you’re hoping for, so then you’re even more proud of them and you’re also intimidated, like is the next group going to be like that?”
What is your understanding of what it takes to relate to today’s players? What is the best way to motivate them?
Johnson: “I think I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t give credit to JC (John Carroll), because he’s significantly older than me and relates to all the players. I don’t think it’s necessarily an age thing. I think it’s a commitment to truth. Like, it might hurt sometimes and for me, it might feel uncomfortable, but to be truthful for them and have a real, relentless passion to help them get to where they want to be, that’s the best way. It always reigns supreme. I think being able to evaluate – and all of it’s hard and completely imperfect, and I mess up all the time – but just constantly evaluating where you stand with the current player, just paying attention and being willing to adjust, always. That’s the best thing I’ve learned from him, always adjusting and handling it. If you feel something’s off, handle it right away. He might need a pat on the back today and he might need a butt-kicking tomorrow. That’s just what it is.”
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