Johnson felt like a fish out of water until he arrived at UH

UH basketball center Isaac 'Big Fish' Johnson found his passion for the game again after transferring from Utah State.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Isaac Johnson, a 7-foot center for the University of Hawaii basketball team, struggled with his love for the game during his final season at Utah State. But after transferring to UH last summer, Johnson has regained his passion and is now a key player for the Rainbow Warriors, who are tied for first place in the Big West Conference with just a few games left in the regular season.

Why it matters

Johnson's story highlights the challenges student-athletes can face in maintaining their love for the game, especially when facing reduced playing time or a change in team dynamics. His successful transition to UH and renewed enthusiasm for basketball serves as an inspiring example of how the right environment and support system can help reignite a player's passion.

The details

After starting 31 games and scoring 19 points in the 2024 NCAA Tournament for Utah State, Johnson's playing time dropped significantly in his final season, leading him to consider quitting basketball. However, upon arriving at UH, Johnson bonded with his new teammates and coaches, who helped him rediscover his love for the sport. Now, the 25-year-old senior is a key contributor for the Rainbow Warriors, averaging 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

  • During the 2023-24 season, Johnson played in 35 games, starting 31, for Utah State.
  • In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Johnson scored 19 points against TCU in the opening round.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Johnson's minutes dropped to 8.7 per contest, and he played in 30 games, starting only 12.
  • Johnson entered the transfer portal a year ago and signed with the University of Hawaii last summer.
  • Johnson and his wife, Audrah Radford, exchanged vows last June.

The players

Isaac 'Big Fish' Johnson

A 7-foot center for the University of Hawaii basketball team who transferred from Utah State, where he struggled with his love for the game in his final season.

Audrah Radford

Isaac Johnson's wife, who is a volleyball player for Chaminade University.

Tanner Cuff

An Evansville transfer who was a former teammate of Isaac Johnson's at American Fork High School in Utah.

Isaiah 'Zay' Kerr

A guard for the University of Hawaii basketball team, with whom Johnson discussed his post-UH plans during a break at a summer basketball clinic.

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What they’re saying

“It feels less like a work environment and more like we get to show up and have fun every day.”

— Isaac Johnson, University of Hawaii basketball center (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“I'm not going to lie, I wasn't in love with basketball much when I came out here.”

— Isaac Johnson, University of Hawaii basketball center (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“Coming here was a little bit of a safety net and a little bit of a buoy to stay afloat long enough to where I was able to regain some strength and start swimming. And I caught a wave. We love it in Hawaii.”

— Isaac Johnson, University of Hawaii basketball center (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

The Rainbow Warriors will face Long Beach State on Saturday, which will be Isaac Johnson's senior night game.

The takeaway

Isaac Johnson's journey from struggling with his passion for basketball at Utah State to rediscovering his love for the game at the University of Hawaii serves as an inspiring example of how the right environment and support system can help student-athletes overcome challenges and reignite their enthusiasm for the sport they love.