West Johnston High School named former NC State standout and NBA champion Chucky Brown as the school’s boys basketball head coach at a special press conference on Tuesday, April 2.
Coach Chucky Brown is a 13-year professional basketball player who helped the Houston Rockets win the 1995 NBA Championship. Brown was a decorated player at NC State, and he helped lead the Wolfpack to the 1987 ACC Tournament and the 1989 regular-season championships. He was also named to the first-team All-ACC while at NC State in 1989.
“I wanted to coach in high school because I felt like I could do something good in the community and help young men reach above their potential both on and off the court,” said Brown. “For me it’s all about the kids. I hope that 10 to 15 years from now they will remember me, and I can have a positive impact on their lives like my high school coach had on me.”
Brown has eight years of NBA Development League coaching experience as both a head and assistant coach. He also has seven years of experience as a full-time NBA Scout with the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Coach Brown’s basketball expertise speaks for itself. As the athletic director, I view his innate ability and passion for mentorship, service, coaching, and building young successful men a true blessing for our student athletes at West Johnston,” said West Johnston High Athletic Director Josh Plisko. “I am excited for the positive impact he will have on so many of our athletes.”
The West Johnston High boys basketball team, students, staff, and community members were in attendance at the press conference to welcome Coach Brown to the Wildcat family.
“In addition to coaching our varsity boys basketball team, Coach Brown has shared his interest in building relationships with our students and staff as a part of our larger Wildcat community,” said Principal Jennifer Swartz. “We are excited to bring Coach Brown to West Johnston as a strong, knowledgeable, and hard-working person to serve as a role model for all of our students.”
Brown will step into the role of head boys basketball coach following Scotty Williams, who resigned in March to devote more time to his growing family as well as to pursue other opportunities in athletic administration.
“I started my coaching career here and have loved every moment of being here. I’m excited to cheer on and support the program as it takes the next step,” said Williams.
The 2019-2020 basketball schedule and off-season workout schedule will be given to players and posted to the school website in the coming weeks.
“I am looking forward to working with good people and being a positive influence to not only the young men on the team, but a positive influence to the students as well,” said Brown.
