Former NBA player and LSU New Orleans alumnus Ervin Johnson will return to the Lakefront Arena as the keynote speaker for the university's fall 2026 commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m.
A New Orleans native and 13-year NBA veteran, Johnson earned his bachelor's degree from the university in 1997. He returned to his alma mater in August as assistant men's basketball coach.
“Ervin Johnson's story is nothing short of extraordinary. He overcame circumstances that could have defined or limited his future, yet through remarkable determination, discipline and perseverance, he achieved a level of success that very few people ever reach,” said Jeanette Weiland, interim chancellor and chief administrative officer of LSU New Orleans.
Johnson played for the Privateers from 1989 to 1993, helping lead the team to three conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. During his senior season, the Privateers finished undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play with an 18-0 record. He was named the 1993 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and set 26 school records during his collegiate career.
Selected in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson went on to play 13 seasons with Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee and Minnesota. He appeared in 845 NBA games and was part of Seattle's 1996 NBA Finals team.
Following his NBA career, Johnson dedicated much of his time to mentoring young athletes and supporting community programs. He served as a community ambassador for the Denver Nuggets for nearly 15 years and founded Ervin Johnson Hoops, a nonprofit basketball program focused on developing young female athletes.
His accomplishments have earned him induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame and the Privateer Athletics Hall of Fame.
For Johnson, returning to campus to address graduates carries special meaning.
“Coming back to LSU New Orleans has meant so much to me because this university helped shape the person I am today,” Johnson said. “As the first person in my family to earn a college degree, I know firsthand how education can change the direction of someone's life. I look forward to sharing my experiences with our graduates and encouraging them to believe in themselves, work hard and make a difference wherever life takes them.”
The fall commencement ceremony will take place Friday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave.
