by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Quinn A’ta’zhoon, 18, is Navajo and his clans are Tódik’ǫzhi nishłi, Áshįįhi bashishchiin, Tó’aheedlíinii dashíchei, T ł ‘ááshchí’í dashínalí. His mom is Gervana Begaye and father is Cliff Johns. The family lives in Gallup, NM.
“I play basketball and I’m a senior, 6-5, shooting guard at Gallup High School,” said Quinn. “I received 4A-1 District Player of the Year, 4A-1 First Team All-District, 4A NM First Team All-State, 2020 Large School Boys Basketball All-Star Team, and Navajo Times Co-Player of the Year.”
“Being Native American is something I am very proud of,” said Quinn. “Being a student-athlete helps me represent where I come from and who I am. I help people and younger athletes to be inspired and to let them know that everyone can succeed, no matter which race, ethnicity, and religion.”
“One of the biggest positive influences is my dad Cliff Johns,” said Quinn. “He played basketball at the Division 1 level at the University of Arizona under Coach Lute Olsen. He was the first Native American to walk on a nationally ranked basketball program. Before, he tried to walk-on at Northern Arizona University but the coach picked someone else over him. Then he transferred to UofA for the architecture program. He felt that basketball was over for him but he still kept playing as a hobby. After two years at UofA, he was playing at the rec center when UofA assistant coach Jim Rosborough spotted him and invited him to come to the McKale Center. He practiced and ran some games with the UofA basketball team. He went through pain, adversity, and many challenges for weeks and months. He was accepted into the UofA basketball family. So I learned to never give up on my dream and keep striving to better myself.”
“Quinn has lived the game since he started walking,” said dad Cliff Johns. “I got him a kid’s Playskool basketball goal set and he developed his jump shot in the living room. Since then, he’s been developing the fundamental form of shooting.”
“I played for the University of Arizona in 1992-94 for coach Lute Olson. A lot of his basketball skills and understanding derived from my knowledge of the game and my college experiences,” said dad Cliff.
Cliff Johns had two head high school boys’ basketball coach stints. He coached at Navajo Prep School from 2002-05 and with the Shiprock HS Chieftains from 2007 to 2010. He was an assistant coach at Gallup HS from 2017 to 2019 and was a spectator this past season for his son’s breakout year.
Cliff taught the game of life to his players and also to his star son Quinn. His parents taught him the value of education and art and Cliff put both together at the University of Arizona and studied architecture.
In an article by Candace Begody in the January 14, 2010 issue of the Navajo Times, Cliff talked about success beyond basketball for his team. By looking at his players’ eyes in the team huddle of the article picture you could tell he was getting them to believe. Cliff also encourages Quinn to believe he can be the best basketball player he can be.
“Quinn has been a great contributor to the Gallup HS basketball program,” said Josh Dunlap, head varsity boy’s coach at Gallup HS. “As a lanky sophomore we all saw the potential in him as he worked hard while steadily growing height wise and as a player throughout the years.”
“Unmistakably he has put the most hours of extra drill and weight room time his past two years. His dedication and determination to help us get back to the ‘Pit’ was a great motivation,” added Josh.
“Currently several junior colleges and NAIA schools have been interested in recruiting him,” said Josh. “Wherever he ends up we know he will have great success with a great work ethic. Personally, he is one the most talented kids I’ve worked with, and it was an honor to see him grow into a fine young man.”
A highlight of many highlights of the season included scoring 47 points versus Hobbs HS, a legendary program in New Mexico.
“Basketball is a fast paced sport so quickness and strength are the main keys,” said Quinn. “I work out almost everyday getting stronger, faster, and jumping higher. I work on my dribbling and shooting. I usually work out five days a week and rest my body for one or two days.”
“Going into college, no matter what level, the game is faster and players are bigger,” said Quinn. “I have to change my mentality from high school to college. I have to get ready for my college basketball IQ to be higher by watching games and highlights.”
“I have a real spiritual family and we believe in our traditional ways,” said Quinn. “I pray before every game, praying for blessings, safety and pray to play good.”
“My mental toughness strategies, I would say, are similar to Kobe Bryant,” said Quinn. “He’s a person I looked up to. When I step on the court, I have no fear and have the hunger to win. I don’t care if you are the #1 ranked player in the country or the bench player I’m going after you. So in a close game, I keep my cool and being confident about my defense and offense. Being strong mentally can help you bring confidence into winning a close game.”
“Ever since I was a kid, my dream was to play in the NBA,” said Quinn. “I wasn’t always the biggest, strongest, or fastest. My freshman year in high school, I was the skinniest guy on the team. I wasn’t fast nor could I jump. People called me names and made fun of me. So I worked hard everyday, pushed my self every day, sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for the love of basketball. I went from the last player on the bench to now, being one of the best players in the state of New Mexico. All it’s takes is hard work, belief, and dedication.”
Someone is following in the footsteps of big brother Quinn. Sophomore 6-3 Khohanon A’ta’zhoon was on the varsity of the Gallup HS basketball team this season.
‘Getting them to believe’ article is located here: https://navajotimes.com/sports/2010/0110/0114093believe.php
Check out Quinn’s twitter here: https://twitter.com/quinn_a24?lang=en
Photo Credit: RAH Photography
We are very proud of Quinn. He is our grandson and a descendent of Asdzaan Lii’dahsizini (Mrs Standinghorse). His roots are very deep with determination to succeed at whatever goal he seeks. Kinyaa’aanii strong.