Lynbert “Cheese” Johnson will be inducted into the Class of 2023 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, alongside 11 other members this October. 

Johnson played for the men’s basketball team from 1975-79. During his career, he averaged 17.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. He was a three-time All-Conference pick who landed fifth on Wichita State’s all-time points list for accumulating 1,907 career points over his four seasons. He also helped the ‘76 team to an NCAA tournament after winning the Missouri Valley Conference.

After graduating from WSU in 1979, Johnson was selected in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors and played during the 1979-80 season. He was also inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and still ranks third in rebounds and seventh in total scoring. 

Johnson is originally from Harlem, New York, and attended Haaren High School. He got the nickname “Cheese” because of the smile he wore while playing. 

Johnson founded the mentoring program UJUMP in 2021, a nonprofit mentoring program that helps young people develop social skills, self-advocacy and behavior and academic achievements through different opportunities and professional interactions. 

Johnson, along with two other WSU alumni will be inducted on Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, as a part of the 12-person Hall of Fame class. 

After this ceremony, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame will have a total of 329 Inductees. Tickets for the induction ceremony will be available Tuesday, Aug. 1 at kshof.org.