Former Kentucky forward Dakari Johnson has been named Player of the Year in China’s National Basketball League.
Johnson, who averaged 25.1 points and 13.7 rebounds per game for Hunan Changsha, was also named Defensive Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year and Center of the Year.
According to recent reports, Johnson recently signed with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China’s CBA league for the 2025-26 season.
Here is an excerpt from Asia-Basket.com:
Dakari Johnson, 29-year old American power forward from the runner-up team finalist team Hunan Changsha, was named the Player of the Year at the National Basketball League. He graduated from the Kentucky ten years ago. Johnson received multiple other awards, was voted the Defensive Player of the Year, Import Player of the Year, Center of the Year, and was selected to the First Team, Imports Team and Defensive Team. His best performance made his team reach the finals but they unfortunately were defeated by HK JinNiu 1 to 3. Johnson was previously chosen to the Second Team back in 2019. His consistent performance as a playmaker earned him the third ranked in points per game, showcasing average of over 25. Johnson was the Player of the Week honoree in the league. He led the NBL in rebounds per game with almost 14. Johnson has totalled 22 games of 20 or more points on the year and recorded 30 or more points in 9 games. He registered double-doubles in 23 games during the event. Johnson’s 40 points against Hebei were the most he scored in the 2025 season.
