Charlotte, N.C./ July 7, 2023 – Willie Johnson ’25 won a raffle at a Hornets game that gave him the opportunity to play NBA 2K with Dennis Smith Jr. and JT Thor.
The Interdisciplinary Studies student had no idea that this lucky draw would lead him to the opportunity to commentate a live NBA 2K game between Hornets Venom and Celtics Crossover Gaming at the Spectrum Center.
“There were a lot of people and managers at the event. I sat down and began to experience the game when, all of a sudden, a person walked up to me and introduced herself as Mylia Garner, but didn’t say what she did for a living,” said Johnson. “It turns out she is the business operator for Hornets Venom and she contacted me to ask me to commentate for the game I was planning to attend on June 26. It was a humbling experience that day because it showed me how sometimes blessings can come back around full circle from things or people you may not have known really well in the past. I’m unbelievably grateful for her that she was able to do that for me.”
Johnson commentated alongside industry professionals Sam Perley and Sean RKL, and said his favorite part about commentating was watching the players compete at a high level.
“The smack talk was unreal, and the energy from the fans was electric,” he said.
Johnson is one of several students who is deeply involved in Johnson C. Smith University’s Esports and Gaming Program, which gives the students the option to concentrate in Esports and Gaming, use JCSU’s state-of-the-art gaming lab and join the Esports and Gaming Club.
The program was founded in 2020 with aspirations of increasing diversifying the esports and gaming industry. In its last three years, the JCSU Esports and Gaming Program has made a formidable imprint in the collegiate esports and gaming ecosystem and is widely recognized as the blueprint for HBCU esports.
Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams, founder of the Esports and Gaming Program and professor of Sport Management, said nearly 70 HBCUs are offering esports and gaming programs, and she is proud to have been a part of a program that incited growth in the field. She appreciates the opportunity to educate gamer-scholars and prepare them for careers in the multi-faceted fields of esports and gaming.
“Our Esports and Gaming Trifecta strives to create stellar opportunities through its curriculum and game play that equip all JCSU gamer-scholars with the tools necessary to excel in various esports and gaming career pathways,” she said. “It is a major accomplishment to have one of our gamer-scholars showcase his commentating skills live on a grand NBA 2K stage. It was such a fulfilling moment to see him in action. His charisma was captivating!”
Lawson-Williams said she loves to see students like Johnson fulfil their dreams, and she has enjoyed watching him grow as a gamer-scholar and leader to his peers.
Johnson serves as the head coach and an E-athlete in the program. In his career history, he has won three tournaments.
“Willie brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the convergence of sport and esports management to our program,” said Lawson-Williams. “He exudes passion that is unrelenting in his efforts to create competitive and recreational game play opportunities that benefit all JCSU gamer-scholars, whether they are members of our Esports and Gaming Club or not.”
Johnson says his favorite game to play is NBA 2K because he is a huge fan of basketball. His love for the sport combined with his love for gaming has led to hopes of a future career in the esports and gaming industry.
“I want to be the first esports player from Johnson C. Smith University to be drafted into the NBA 2K League,” he said. “I want to take my talents to the big leagues and be able to play at the highest level. I would also like to return one day to my HBCU and work with the next generation of esports athletes at JCSU and return the love and support the University has showed me over these years.”
Johnson said too many people believe gaming isn’t a skill, but he knows how serious the business of esports and gaming is, especially after commentating for a live professional game.
Overall, he said he enjoys the Esports and Gaming Program at JCSU because he loves to watch people come together and unite over a shared passion. He encourages college students and boys and girls alike to follow their dreams, whatever they may be.
“Always be disciplined in school, in your craft and in life,” he said. “Be consistent with your work and know that success isn’t given, it’s earned. Thank you to JCSU for inspiring me to be a better student and show the world who I’m proud to represent. I am so blessed and will continue to strive for greatness not only at my home HBCU, but everywhere I go!”
