LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Tough. Smart. Unselfish. No three words could describe Don Johnson, Biola University men's basketball assistant coach, better than that.
 
That is why for Johnson, being a member of the 2013 UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame induction class came as such a humbling experience. An experience that the 1952 UCLA graduate and all-time winningest coach in California Community College men's basketball history almost turned down.
 
"I was ready to send a letter declining the honor," said Johnson. "I thought in order to be in the UCLA Hall of Fame you had to average 20 points a game, win a national championship and go on to run the program at Kentucky."
 
Thankfully for Johnson, and all who know him and respect him, a longtime friend, one of many that he has accumulated through the years, was able to convince him he should not send that letter and should accept his place in the Hall of Fame.
 
On Oct. 11, in front of family, friends, teammates and former players, the All-American point guard and legendary Orange County head coach had his place in the history of the prestigious basketball program at UCLA solidified at the 30^th annual UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
 
The spotlight and all eyes were on him and recognizing his achievements before, during and after his time at UCLA, but true to character, Johnson spent his time at the podium recognizing the others who helped him get to where he is today. 
 
He recognized his former coaches, including UCLA legend John Wooden and his Fullerton JC coach Alex Omalev, teammates, players and most importantly his wife of 62 years, Colette.
 
"When I mentioned we had been married for 62 years, I felt a hush fall over the entire place," said Johnson. "These days people think that is a long time. My parents are married 74 years, so Colette and I are still young pups."
 
Johnson and his wife met during his time at Fullerton JC and married heading into his second of two seasons at UCLA. During his time playing under coach Wooden, Johnson and his teammates led the team to two Pacific Coast Conference Southern Division titles and a national tournament berth.
 
While Johnson is proud of those accomplishments, he realizes that his time on the basketball court was, and still is, about so much more than simply wins and losses. He notes the importance of the friendships he formed both as a player and a coach far surpass any numbers on the stat sheet.
 
Following his time at UCLA Johnson went on to become a teacher and a boy's basketball coach at El Rancho HS for 12 years. He led his teams to the California Interscholastic Federation playoffs six times and, in 1966, he earned himself a job as the first men's basketball coach in the history of Cypress College.
 
"When I first started coaching, I tried to emulate John Wooden, but I quickly realized the futility in that and I had to begin to evolve into my own coach," said Johnson. "I like to think I still kept true to Coach Wooden's principles though. I was a tough head coach, but I think by now most of my players have forgiven me and we are lifelong friends."
 
Johnson served as Cypress' only head coach from 1966 until 1994, and during that time he led countless young men, impacting their basketball careers and their lives. He coached several players who went on to successful university and professional careers and won two state titles in his time at Cypress.
 
It was at Cypress that he developed his coaching philosophy that defined what attributes he thought comprised the complete basketball player.
 
He was watching one of his former players, John Moore, now the coach of Westmont College, and realized that its was his toughness, smarts and unselfish manner (TSU) that made Moore such a solid player.
 
After that realization, Johnson defined many of his players as TSU, and consistently sought to coach players to meet these expectations.
 
His 588 wins over his 27 seasons leave him as the winningest coach in California Community College history, and his time at Cypress is where he met and coached Dr. Dave Holmquist, Biola athletic director and head men's basketball coach.
 
Holmquist, the winningest active National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coach, and Johnson began their relationship when Holmquist was a student-athlete and student body president at Cypress in the early-1970s.
 
"He is the only player I remember who ever gave me advice as we were walking back to the locker room," said Johnson. "We were losing the game, so I remember I took his advice and we ended up winning."
 
Sixteen years ago, following Johnson's retirement from Cypress, Holmquist invited the legend to join his staff at Biola.
 
Ever since then Johnson has been around the team at practice and in the games, serving as a constant encouragement and personal mentor to the men on the team. He serves in a decreased capacity as the years progress, but his impact on individuals is undeniable.
 
"I talk to the kids on the side and will occasionally write them letters of encouragement," said Johnson. "I can't get out on the floor and lead drills anymore, so I do the things that are most important to the individuals."
 
During his acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame ceremony in October, Johnson quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson while reminiscing on his life and experiences in basketball.
 
"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded," he said.
 
That quote encapsulates what Johnson has done for all who he has come into contact with over the years, and what he continues to do on a daily basis as a member of the coaching staff at Biola.
 
It earned him a well deserved, and long overdue, standing ovation from everyone in attendance at the UCLA function.
 
Johnson can be seen on the court inside the Chase Gymnasium Nov. 12 at the Eagles' home-opener against CSU San Marcos.