In one of the most inspiring and unforgettable stories of the 2024-25 college basketball season, Chaney Johnson, senior forward for the Auburn Tigers, has been named the winner of the 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy, awarded annually by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
With this prestigious honor, Johnson becomes the first player in Auburn program history to win the award, joining the likes of past winners such as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Luka Garza. For Johnson, a transfer from Division II Alabama-Huntsville just a couple of seasons ago, the honor is a culmination of perseverance, patience, and an unrelenting belief in his own potential.
But to understand how Chaney Johnson reached this pinnacle, one must take a journey through his remarkable transformation—from a small-town athlete to a national basketball icon.
A Humble Beginning
Born and raised in Alabaster, Alabama, Johnson wasn’t always on the radar of major Division I programs. In fact, he was a late bloomer. At 6-foot-7 and possessing raw athleticism, he had all the tools to compete at the highest level, but it wasn’t until his time at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) that he truly began turning heads.
At UAH, Johnson averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during his junior season, showcasing a versatile skillset that could stretch the floor, attack the rim, and guard multiple positions. His efforts earned him Gulf South Conference Player of the Year honors and eventually led to a coveted scholarship offer from Bruce Pearl and Auburn.
“Coming from D2, I had something to prove,” Johnson said in an interview earlier this year. “I wanted to show people that I belonged at this level, that I could make a difference for a team that had championship aspirations.”
A Star is Born on the Plains
Johnson’s transition to Auburn was seamless. From the moment he stepped on campus, he approached every practice with intensity and humility. While some transfers struggle with adjusting to the pace and physicality of high-major basketball, Johnson thrived.
By the time the 2024-25 season began, it was clear that Auburn had found a cornerstone. Johnson averaged 18.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, all while shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. He was the embodiment of consistency, rarely having an off night and always elevating his game in clutch moments.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl couldn’t stop praising his star forward.
“Chaney is everything that’s right about college basketball,” Pearl said. “He works his tail off, puts the team first, and leads by example. He’s got that edge, that competitive fire, and most of all, he makes everyone around him better.”
Leadership On and Off the Court
What made Johnson’s case for the Oscar Robertson Trophy even more compelling was his impact beyond the box score. Teammates often credited him for his leadership in the locker room, his mentorship of younger players, and his ability to unify the team through adversity.
Throughout the season, Auburn faced its fair share of challenges: injuries to key players, tough losses on the road, and a grueling SEC schedule. Yet Johnson’s voice never wavered. He called team meetings, held extra film sessions, and maintained a calming presence even in the tensest moments of the season.
“He’s our rock,” said junior guard Tre Donaldson. “When things get tough, we look to Chaney. He’s always composed, always ready. He brings the energy when we need it most.”
Clutch Performances and Statement Games
There was no shortage of memorable moments from Johnson’s award-winning campaign, but a few performances stand out as defining chapters in his Player of the Year run.
In early January, Johnson poured in 31 points and 11 rebounds in a thrilling overtime victory against Kentucky in Rupp Arena. He followed that up two weeks later with a 27-point, 9-rebound, and 6-assist performance against Tennessee, helping Auburn take control of the SEC standings.
But perhaps his most iconic moment came during the SEC Tournament Championship game in Nashville. With Auburn trailing Alabama by two points and just 12 seconds on the clock, Johnson took an inbound pass, dribbled past two defenders, and buried a step-back three-pointer as time expired. The shot sent Auburn fans into a frenzy and sealed the program’s second SEC title under Bruce Pearl.
“That was one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip away.”
A Deep NCAA Tournament Run
Auburn entered the NCAA Tournament as a #3 seed in the Midwest Region, thanks in large part to Johnson’s stellar play. With each game, his legend grew.
In the second round against Michigan State, he posted 22 points and 13 rebounds, including a late-game block that sealed the win. Against Houston in the Sweet 16, Johnson went head-to-head with All-American Jamal Shead and outdueled him with a 28-point, 8-rebound, 4-steal performance.
Although the Tigers eventually fell to UConn in the Final Four, Johnson’s dominance and leadership were undeniable. He finished the tournament averaging 24.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as the top player in college basketball.
Winning the Oscar Robertson Trophy
On April 10, 2025, the announcement became official. Chaney Johnson was named the winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy, chosen by the nation’s most prominent basketball writers. He beat out a strong field that included Duke’s Jared McCain, Purdue’s Zach Edey, and Arizona’s Caleb Love.
The award ceremony, held in Indianapolis, was emotional. Johnson, joined by his family and Auburn coaching staff, delivered a heartfelt speech that highlighted his journey and the support system that helped get him there.
“I want to thank God, my family, Coach Pearl, and everyone at Auburn who believed in me,” he said. “This isn’t just my award—it belongs to every teammate who pushed me, every coach who guided me, and every fan who supported me.”
Oscar Robertson’s Seal of Approval
The Big O himself, Oscar Robertson, spoke about Johnson’s impact during the presentation.
“Chaney Johnson plays the game the right way—with heart, with skill, and with class,” Robertson said. “He’s the kind of player that inspires young people and represents the best of college basketball. I’m proud to have his name associated with this award.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With his college career now complete, Johnson will likely hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts have raved about his size, athleticism, two-way versatility, and maturity. Some compare him to Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby—a modern-day forward who can play and guard multiple positions.
Beyond the NBA, Johnson has already expressed interest in giving back to his community. He’s been active in Auburn’s outreach programs and has mentioned starting a youth basketball foundation in Alabaster.
“I want kids to know that no matter where you start, it’s about where you finish,” Johnson said. “Whether you’re at a small school or a big one, if you work hard and stay humble, the sky’s the limit.”
Auburn Basketball’s Legacy Grows
For the Auburn Tigers, Johnson’s win is a landmark achievement. It signals the program’s rise to national prominence and reflects the sustained excellence under Coach Bruce Pearl.
In the past decade, Auburn has made multiple Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances, reached the Final Four in 2019, and now boasts a national Player of the Year.
“This is a defining moment for our program,” said Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen. “Chaney’s win puts us on the map in a whole new way. It shows that elite players can come here and thrive.”
The Legacy of Chaney Johnson
What Chaney Johnson accomplished in 2025 goes beyond the hardwood. He’s not just Auburn’s first Oscar Robertson Trophy winner—he’s a symbol of resilience, an underdog who never gave up, and a leader who turned doubters into believers.
He proved that greatness can come from unexpected places and that with the right mindset, anything is possible. His legacy will be etched in the walls of Neville Arena and in the hearts of Auburn fans for generations to come.