NEW YORK (USA) - The world basketball family is mourning the loss of Brent "BJ" Johnson, who died in a biking accident last week.

Johnson was a fixture at Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camps, having attended every one since 2005.

"His trips with you all were what he looked forward to every year," his son, Bijan, said. "He loved his BWB family."

A longtime scout of the Houston Rockets, an organization he had been with since 1994, Johnson, 65 at the time of his death, was among the most respected men in his profession and also one of the most loved.

There has been an outpouring of grief.

 
The Rockets paid tribute to Johnson in a statement announcing Johnson's death.

It said: "BJ was beloved and respected not only throughout the Rockets organization but across the league and the basketball world. He was a part of the organization for 26 years making an immeasurable impact on the team's success on and off the court. We will miss his cheerful disposition, infectious smile and uplifting spirit."

Everyone that has commented on Johnson following the accident has cited his desire to always help, be it players, coaches or those attempting to follow in his footsteps as a scout.

His death has come as a shock across the NBA, with members of other clubs expressing their condolences. Many players and scouts have credited Johnson for helping them find their way in the league.

FIBA's National Federations & Sport Director, Zoran Radovic, paid tribute to his friend and colleague during an online ceremony for BJ Johnson with more than 250 people from all over the world present and said: 

Dear BJ,
Since we crossed paths at BWB Africa and when I saw how passionate you were leading the team of kids you coached, I just knew you loved the game, you loved the kids you coached for the first time and I could see how passionate you were. Your dedication to basketball, your enthusiasm, your smile were means for success. I loved our arguments over referee calls, I enjoyed our little secret basketball discussions where I learned a lot from you, I loved our chats about common friends, and I loved our friendship. There are no words of thanks for all that you did for the Basketball Without Borders program, for the kids there, for the entire BWB family, for basketball. On behalf of myself and the whole FIBA family, I would like to sincerely thank you. 
- Zoran Radovic.  

FIBA