Arizona State's "Pig" Johnson Embraces Unique Nickname

The guard's mother gave him the moniker as a child playing football.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arizona State basketball player Anthony "Pig" Johnson has an uncommon nickname that dates back to his childhood. Johnson said his mother started calling him "Pig" when he would come home dirty after playing football, and the nickname has stuck with him through his college career, including a standout season at the NAIA level before transferring to Arizona State.

Why it matters

Nicknames are a common part of sports culture, but "Pig" Johnson's moniker is particularly unique. The story behind how he got the nickname provides an interesting glimpse into his personal background and the close relationship he has with his mother.

The details

Johnson began his college career at Northeast Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of the Cumberlands, an NAIA school, where he was a first-team All-American in 2024-25 by averaging 23.6 points per game. That performance earned him a spot at Arizona State, where he has become a key player for the Sun Devils under head coach Bobby Hurley.

  • Johnson started playing football as a child, when his mother began calling him "Pig".
  • In the 2024-25 season, Johnson was a first-team NAIA All-American at the University of the Cumberlands.
  • Johnson transferred to Arizona State for the 2025-26 season.

The players

Anthony "Pig" Johnson

A guard for the Arizona State Sun Devils basketball team who has embraced the unique nickname "Pig" that dates back to his childhood.

Bobby Hurley

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He told reporters that his mom called him "Pig" when he played football, especially when he would come back to the house dirty from his athletic activity.”

— Anthony "Pig" Johnson (Sporting News)

What’s next

Johnson and the Arizona State Sun Devils will look to make a deep run in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament as they prepare for the NCAA March Madness tournament.

The takeaway

Nicknames are a fun part of sports culture, and "Pig" Johnson's unique moniker provides an endearing glimpse into his personal background and close relationship with his mother. His journey to stardom at the NAIA level and now as a key player for Arizona State also shows the value of perseverance and finding the right fit at the college level.