Curley "Boo" Johnson moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1970 at age 4. He led Sterling Grade School, coached by Robert Snowden, to a fourth-place finish in the city championships while setting scoring records, becoming the school's MVP. Johnson also excelled playing tailback in football for Sterling Lions JFL, leading them to an undefeated city championship.[1]
He played football, basketball and baseball in high school at Peoria Richwoods for two years and then transferred to Peoria Central. In basketball, he helped lead Central to a 38–18 record and Regional and Sectional titles, and consecutive fourth-place finishes in the 1980 & 1981 Illinois State Classic Holiday Tournaments (now named the State Farm Holiday Classic).[1]
Spoon River College 1982–83
Johnson scored 19 points in his first game against Richland College and led the state of Illinois and tied for seventh in the nation in field goal percentage shooting a torrid 65.7% record that still stands. SRC won the sectional title and set a school record for wins (26) and a 4th-place finish in the state. Johnson went 3 consecutive games without missing a field goal (21-21). He was named McDonald's Cage Classic All-tournament, All-Section, All-Region, and 4th team Sporting News NJCAA All-American. Johnson made the Dean's list and was elected to student senate and student representative to the college board of trustees as well as Homecoming King.[1]
Muscatine Community College 1983-1984
Played one season for the MCC Indians
Loras College 1984–87
Johnson debuted at Loras, hitting a 20-foot fall-away jumper as time expired against archrival University of Dubuque, sending the game into overtime, giving Coach Mike Jaskulski his first college win. The "lightning quick" was known for his slick passing, unparalleled ball handling, and dribbling ability. Mike Jaskulski was quoted as saying that "Boo" was the finest ball handler and dribbler he ever coached or saw play at Loras – "The ball was always safe in his hands." Johnson did not just dribble through Dubuque, he earned a degree in marketing at Loras. Loras retired Johnson's #14 jersey on December 10, 1999.[1]
Curley Boo played with the Harlem Globe Trotters for 18 years. (1988-2006)
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