From D-II to Brooklyn: How Chaney Johnson Keeps Earning His Way, Showing His Grit

The Nets two-way forward's journey from small-town Alabama to the NBA has been paved with determination and faith.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:18am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting Chaney Johnson's basketball action and journey, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the grit and determination of his path to the NBA.Chaney Johnson's unconventional path from Division II to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets is a story of perseverance, faith, and the power of earned opportunities.Today in Birmingham

Chaney Johnson, a two-way forward for the Brooklyn Nets, has taken an unlikely path to the NBA. After graduating from a small high school in Alabama with no Division I offers, Johnson played at Division II Alabama/Huntsville, where he excelled. He then transferred to Auburn, helping the Tigers reach the Final Four in 2025. Despite going undrafted, Johnson signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavaliers and eventually earned a two-way contract with the Nets. Now in his first NBA season, the 23-year-old has impressed with his relentless work ethic, defensive versatility, and growing offensive game.

Why it matters

Johnson's journey from a small-town Alabama high school to the NBA exemplifies the power of determination and perseverance. His story resonates with fans who appreciate players who have had to grind for every opportunity, embodying the "Brooklyn Grit" that the Nets organization values. Johnson's development also highlights the Nets' ability to identify and cultivate talent, particularly through their strong G League affiliate in Long Island.

The details

After graduating from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, with no Division I offers, Johnson committed to Division II Alabama/Huntsville. There, he excelled, earning Gulf South Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-Gulf South honors. He then transferred to Auburn, where he played a key role in the Tigers' 2025 Final Four run. Despite going undrafted, Johnson signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavaliers and spent time in the G League with the Cleveland Charge before earning a two-way contract with the Nets in December 2026. In his first NBA season, Johnson has appeared in 17 games, averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 54.3% from the field.

  • Johnson graduated from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, in 2021.
  • He played at Division II Alabama/Huntsville from 2021 to 2023, earning Gulf South Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-Gulf South honors.
  • Johnson transferred to Auburn University in 2023, helping the Tigers reach the Final Four in the 2025 NCAA tournament.
  • After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, Johnson signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and spent time in the G League with the Cleveland Charge.
  • The Brooklyn Nets signed Johnson to a two-way contract on December 26, 2026.

The players

Chaney Johnson

A 23-year-old two-way forward for the Brooklyn Nets who has taken an unlikely path to the NBA, starting at a small Division II school in Alabama before transferring to Auburn and eventually earning a two-way deal with the Nets.

Kelley Hall

Johnson's longtime trainer, confidant, and primary representative, who encouraged him to enter the transfer portal and join the Auburn basketball program.

Bruce Pearl

The head coach of the Auburn basketball team, who convinced Johnson to join the program after visiting the campus.

Steve Pearl

An assistant coach on the Auburn basketball staff during Johnson's time with the program, who praised his relentless work ethic.

Mfon Udofia

The head coach of the Long Island Nets, the Nets' G League affiliate, who helped develop Johnson's confidence and various aspects of his game.

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What they’re saying

“I was on to the next thing the whole time. I need to try to get somewhere out of high school. Okay? Nah, I'm gonna go D2. Okay? I need to keep on working so I can get somewhere after D2. I'm at Auburn, I need to keep on working so I can get somewhere out of Auburn.”

— Chaney Johnson, Brooklyn Nets two-way forward

“One, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Jesus, without him, I would be nothing. I always fall back on him, just giving me the strength to continue to go.”

— Chaney Johnson, Brooklyn Nets two-way forward

“He didn't want to leave. I kind of felt like I was twisting his arm, like, 'Yo man, I've got these schools reaching out—you need to go in the portal.'”

— Kelley Hall, Johnson's longtime trainer, confidant, and primary representative

“He was immediately a guy that you just had to almost kick out of the gym and just worked his tail off nonstop.”

— Steve Pearl, Assistant coach, Auburn basketball

“The biggest thing is building confidence in him. Sometimes players don't know how good they are. So our job is to instill that confidence. He's an extremely hard worker and does everything both our Long Island staff and Brooklyn staff ask of him.”

— Mfon Udofia, Head coach, Long Island Nets

What’s next

Johnson will become a free agent in June when his two-way deal with the Nets expires. The Nets have not indicated whether they will re-sign him, invite him to Summer League, or bring him to training camp, but Johnson remains determined to continue proving himself and earning his way to a permanent NBA roster spot.

The takeaway

Chaney Johnson's journey from a small-town Alabama high school to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and hard work. His story resonates with fans who appreciate players who have had to grind for every opportunity, embodying the "Brooklyn Grit" that the Nets organization values. Johnson's development also highlights the Nets' ability to identify and cultivate talent, particularly through their strong G League affiliate in Long Island.