Ryan Johnson readies for USBA trip to China

GREELEY, Colo. – University of Northern Colorado women’s basketball assistant coach Ryan Johnson has been selected to be an assistant coach of a United States all-star squad with the United States Basketball Academy that will play nine games in 14 days in China, April 25 through May 9.

The team, being promoted by Atlas Sports in Beijing, will be coached by former Colorado State and Santa Clara head coach Chris Denker and includes 10 collegiate all-stars. They will play in three different cities and provinces throughout China against the Junior National Teams from China, Australia and New Zealand.

“I'm honored to be invited and have the opportunity to coach with Chris Denker,” said Johnson. “I am also looking forward to working with a great group of athletes and be able experience coaching at an international level. I feel this is a great opportunity for Northern Colorado as well.”

The team consists of Katie Bussey from Montana State, ReZina TecleMariam from Portland, Talisa Rhea from Seattle, Casey Garrison of Missouri State, Rebekah Gardner from UCLA, Jasmin Hollidy from Oregon, Jalana Childs of Kansas State, Rachael Hackbarth from Drake and Kali Bennett of Arizona State.

Johnson recently completed his sixth season as an assistant with the Northern Colorado women’s basketball team.

“This is a great recognition for both Ryan and the University,” said Northern Colorado Head Coach Jaime White. “There aren’t a lot of international opportunities and this is going to be something he never forgets.”