Johnston attended and played both baseball and basketball for Ohio State University. Known for sweeping hook shots from the pivot, this 6-foot 8-inch former minor league baseball star played eight NBA seasons with the Philadelphia Warriors. His athletic talent helped him to lead the NBA in scoring (1953-55), rebounding (1955), and field goal percentage (1953, 1956-57). After a career-ending knee injury, Johnston became coach of the Philadelphia Warriors and the Pittsburgh Rens of the American Basketball League as well as the Wilmington Blue Bombers of the Eastern Basketball League.