Marshall Johnson Named PCC Men’s Basketball Head Coach

PASADENA, CA — Pasadena City College Athletics has named Marshall Johnson as the new head men's basketball coach for the Lancers.

Johnson becomes the 18th coach to lead the PCC men's basketball program in its 101-year history. He joins Pasadena City College after a highly successful four-year tenure at Fullerton College, where he helped guide the Hornets to two 3C2A State Championships, a Final Four appearance, and a state runner-up finish.

"We are excited to welcome Marshall Johnson as the next Head Men's Basketball Coach at Pasadena City College," said PCC Dean of Kinesiology, Health & Athletics, Dr. Brown. "Marshall brings a proven track record of success, having been a member of a state championship coaching staff at Fullerton College. He is highly respected for his ability to recruit talented student-athletes, develop defensive-minded teams, and teach the fundamentals and skills necessary for success both on and off the court."

"We are confident that his leadership, commitment to student-athlete development, and championship experience will have an immediate positive impact on our men's basketball program."

Johnson joined Fullerton College in 2023 and played a key role in one of the most successful stretches in program history. During his time with the Hornets, Fullerton won state championships in 2023 and 2026, reached the 3C2A Final Four in 2024, and finished as state runner-up in 2025.

Known for his recruiting and player development abilities, Johnson helped bring in and mentor several of California community college basketball's top players. Among them were Shaquil Bender, the 2023 Orange Empire Conference Offensive Player of the Year and 3C2A State Tournament MVP; Joe Grahovac, the 2025 3C2A State Player of the Year and OEC MVP; and Yoda Oke, the 2026 OEC MVP and State Tournament MVP.

Under Johnson's leadership, Fullerton produced four OEC Most Valuable Players, four OEC Defensive Players of the Year, 31 All-OEC selections, and eight 3C2A All-State honorees. Every sophomore player in the program transferred to a four-year institution during his tenure.

Prior to Fullerton, Johnson served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Mt. San Antonio College during the 2021-22 season. Tasked with helping build a roster featuring 15 newcomers, he helped lead the Mounties to a 19-8 record and a second-place finish in the South Coast Conference North Division.

Johnson also helped establish Mt. SAC as one of the state's top defensive teams, ranking second in opponent three-point percentage and 12th in opponent field goal percentage. The Mounties produced four All-South Coast Conference selections, including one All-State player.

Before his time at Mt. SAC, Johnson served as an assistant coach and head of player development at El Camino College, where he helped develop two All-Conference guards.

Johnson is also highly respected on the Southern California grassroots basketball circuit. He previously coached with Jalen Green Elite on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and at Prodigy Athletic Institute, where he helped develop former Pasadena High School standout Omari Moore, who later became the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year at San Jose State University.

His coaching career began at Concordia University Irvine, where he served as an assistant coach.

As a player, Johnson starred as a guard at Azusa Pacific University. He helped lead the Cougars to two conference tournament championships and a runner-up finish at the 2010 NAIA National Championship Tournament. He earned All-Golden State Athletic Conference honors in both 2010 and 2011 and was named an NAIA All-American in 2011.

In addition to coaching, Johnson has served as an adjunct faculty member in Kinesiology at both Mt. SAC and Fullerton College. He later transitioned into student support and administrative leadership roles at Fullerton.

Johnson managed the college's A2MEND grant program, mentoring African American and Black male students, before helping lead the Takeoff Grant initiative that supports men of color. As Director of Men of Color Programs, he established Fullerton College's first Men of Color Center and partnered with organizations including the Men of Color Action Network (MOCAN).

For his leadership and service, Johnson was nominated for Administrator of the Year at the 2026 Black Educator Excellence Awards.

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Azusa Pacific University. He also holds a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine.

With championship experience, a strong background in recruiting and player development, and a commitment to student success, Johnson is set to lead Pasadena City College men's basketball into its next chapter.