An all-state selection at Chillicothe High School, Johnston played two seasons at Ohio State (1946-48) before signing a baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. But it was in the NBA where he made his mark. Known for his sweeping hook shot, he played eight seasons (1951-59) for the Philadelphia Warriors, winning the scoring title three straight years (1952-55) and was a six-time all-star. He was a first-teamer in 1956 when the Warriors won the NBA title. He averaged 19.4 points and 11.3 rebounds in 516 pro games Then he coached the Warriors for the first two seasons of Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA career. He died on Sept. 28, 1978 at the age of 49.

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