SPEAKER PROFILE
Kerron Johnson
Assistant Men's Coach
Blemont University
Navigating the New Era: Understanding the Current Recruiting Landscape in 21st-Century Athletics
The recruiting process has undergone a seismic shift in the 21st century—driven by social media, the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and evolving NCAA regulations. Today’s coaches and athlete managers must navigate an increasingly complex and competitive environment to identify, attract, and retain top talent.
This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of the modern recruiting landscape, examining how digital platforms, branding, early commitments, and athlete mobility are reshaping traditional recruiting models. Attendees will gain strategic insight into how to prepare athletes for recruitment, build sustainable programs, and ethically manage the expectations of players and their families in a results-driven era.
Designed for forward-thinking sports professionals, this session emphasizes practical approaches to adapt recruiting philosophies, leverage emerging technologies, and maintain integrity in a rapidly changing system.
BIOGRAPHY
Kerron Johnson is an assistant coach for the Belmont University men’s basketball team, beginning his third year on staff in the 2024–25 season. He was elevated to assistant coach on May 28, 2024, after serving two seasons as the director of player development. A Huntsville, Alabama native, Johnson is a Belmont alumnus and one of the most decorated players in program history. He was inducted into the Belmont Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021
During his playing career at Belmont from 2009 to 2013, Johnson led the Bruins to four consecutive conference championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He ranks among Belmont’s career leaders in points (1,388), assists (515), steals (206), and free throws made (511). Johnson is one of the few players in college basketball history to earn conference tournament Most Valuable Player honors in two different leagues: the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2012 and the Ohio Valley Conference in 2013.
After graduating, Johnson played professional basketball for nearly a decade, competing in countries including New Zealand, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and Israel. He earned all-league honors during his time with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany.
Returning to Belmont in 2022 as director of player development, Johnson worked closely with standout guard Ben Sheppard, who was selected No. 26 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He also played an instrumental role in the development of Keishawn Davidson and Ja’Kobi Gillespie. In his current role, Johnson focuses on developing Belmont’s guards, game planning, scouting reports, and recruiting.
Johnson’s coaching philosophy is deeply influenced by his playing days at Belmont, particularly the lessons of perseverance he learned as a student-athlete. He emphasizes understanding and empathy, telling his players, “There’s no feeling or emotion or frustration that you have that I haven’t had.”
He resides in Nashville with his wife, Gina, and their son, Kayden and their daughter Kaylee.
Johnson’s journey from a standout player to a respected coach reflects his deep commitment to Belmont University and its basketball program. His leadership continues to inspire the next generation of Bruins.
Company Name
Belmont University
TITLE
Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
PhoNE NUMBER
615-460-6270
EMAIL ADDRESS
kerron.johnson@belmont.edu
website
https://belmontbruins.com