Former Ankeny basketball standout Carson Johnson is headed to the Mile High City.
Johnson has committed to play for the University of Denver, which has scheduled a press conference on Wednesday to introduce Tim Bergstraser as the Pioneers’ new head coach. Bergstraser went 75-22 in three seasons as the head coach at Minnesota State Moorhead, where Johnson thrived this year as a freshman guard for the Dragons.
“The way he coaches and the person he is made the decision easy,” said Johnson. “I love playing for him, and I’m super excited about going to battle at the next level with the coach who believed in me from the start.”
Johnson helped MSU Moorhead to a 25-9 record. He averaged a team-high 19.8 points on 41.8 percent shooting from 3-point range over the last 23 games.
Johnson became a star at the NCAA Division II level after his redshirt was pulled a few days before Christmas. He led the Dragons to the championship of the NSIC Tournament, where he became the first freshman to earn MVP honors.
Now, Johnson is moving up to the Division I level.
“I knew I was always capable of playing at the Division I level, but at the same time I am also very thankful for my time at MSUM,” he said. “I learned a lot from being here and got to play with some great coaches and teammates who helped me elevate my game.”
Denver is a member of the Summit League. The Pioneers parted ways with head coach Jeff Wulbrun after he led the team to a 53-74 record over the last four seasons.
Johnson said he never had a desire to look at other schools.
“I put the non-contact tag on when I entered the transfer portal,” he said. “I know there would’ve been other coaches reaching out, but I already had my mind set on staying with my coach and some of my other guys that would be coming with.”