Auburn Tigers forward Chaney Johnson is getting ready for one of the biggest games of his career. As Auburn takes the court tonight in the Sweet 16 against Michigan, fans are buzzing with excitement. But for Johnson, this moment is about more than just basketball. It’s about faith, family, and the hard work that got him here. If you ask Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, he’ll tell you Johnson is the hardest-working player on the team.

This journey started long before the bright lights of March Madness. It began at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, where a young Chaney honed his craft. It continued with early mornings, late nights, and the unwavering support of his parents, Chuck and Regina Johnson.

Who are Chaney Johnson’s parents?

For Johnson, basketball has always been a family affair. His parents, Chuck and Regina Johnson, didn’t just support his basketball journey—they sacrificed and stood by him every step of the way, helping forge his path to the Sweet 16. From the first time he picked up a basketball to the day he put on an Auburn jersey, they stood by him, cheering him on, guiding him, and instilling the values that shaped both his game and his character.

Chuck and Regina have been more than just spectators in their son’s journey; they’ve been his foundation. They were the ones rebounding his shots in the driveway, driving him to early morning practices, and making sure he stayed grounded, no matter how bright the spotlight got. Their belief in Chaney Johnson never wavered, even when the road to success seemed uncertain.

In a recent interview, Regina reflected on the pride she feels watching her son play on this stage. “This has just been a dream come true,” she said, emotion evident in her voice. “He’s always worked hard at his craft. We foresaw him being great, but this moment is something special.”

Chuck, too, knew Chaney Johnson had something special. But seeing that potential turn into reality? That’s a feeling unlike any other. “It means a whole lot to the family and to the city of Alabaster,” he said. “He’s put in the work, stayed dedicated, and kept God first. We knew he would go far.”

For the Johnsons, this Sweet 16 appearance isn’t just about basketball. It’s a testament to years of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. As he steps onto the court tonight, he won’t just be playing for Auburn—he’ll be playing for the parents who made it all possible.

How have Chaney Johnson’s parents been the biggest influence on their son?

For Auburn forward Johnson, basketball isn’t just about wins, stats, or accolades. It runs deeper—faith, discipline, and the values his parents, Chuck and Regina Johnson, instilled in him. Ask Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl or his teammates, and they’ll tell you: Johnson is the hardest-working player on the team. But that relentless work ethic took shape long before he set foot on Auburn’s campus.

It started in Alabaster, Alabama, where a young Chaney Johnson spent countless hours perfecting his craft. His parents were there for every step—driving him to practice, pushing him to stay disciplined, and making sure he never lost sight of what truly mattered.

That commitment to faith and hard work drives Johnson back to the gym the morning after late-night games. After scoring 14 points against Arkansas, he didn’t take the next day off. Instead, he put up 417 shots in a morning workout before team practice. His dedication isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset, a lesson he learned from his parents.

The first time Chaney Johnson worked out with Auburn assistant coach Ira Bowman, he did so after practice—a decision he quickly regretted. “After that first workout, I was fixing to crawl out of the gym because I was so tired,” Johnson recalled. But he kept coming back. Now, his 45-minute pre-practice sessions with Bowman have become routine, helping him prepare for the physicality of SEC play.

Diligent strength and conditioning work with director of sports performance Damon Davis has helped Johnson bulk up from 200 pounds when he arrived at Auburn in the summer of 2023 to 225 pounds today. “My body has changed since I got here,” Johnson said. “Coach D gets a lot of credit for that. The guys who take it seriously will reap the benefit from it.”

Pearl lauds Johnson’s work ethic and athleticism. “Chaney Johnson is my hardest worker,” Pearl said. “Nobody on this team would argue.”

Last season, Johnson played behind Jaylin Williams after transferring from Alabama-Huntsville, averaging 4.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Now, in his senior year, he’s taken on a bigger role, averaging 10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 24 minutes per game while shooting 57.5 percent for the nation’s top-ranked team.

“My main goal this year is to have fun,” Johnson said. “This is my last year, so being able to have fun and enjoy the moment.”

Before SEC play, Chaney Johnson helped No. 2 Auburn accomplish in six weeks what previous Tigers teams had done in 75 years: defeat four ranked, non-conference regular-season opponents. Now, as No. 1 Auburn sits atop the SEC standings, Johnson knows the job isn’t finished. “There’s a lot more in the tank,” he said. “These are cool guys to be around. We always have fun and joke around. It’s a good thing.”

As Auburn prepares for its next big matchup, Johnson’s focus remains the same as it has always been. Work hard. Stay disciplined. And never forget where you came from. That’s the foundation Chuck and Regina Johnson built, and it’s why their son is not just one of Auburn’s hardest workers but also one of its most important players.