Former Hawaii star Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson to play in NBA Summer League
Hawaii C Isaac Johnson gives an extra stare after a putback dunk in the first half against UC San Diego. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
Big Fish is getting the call to the big leagues.
Well, the NBA’s Summer League, at least.
Former University of Hawai’i standout and Big West 1st-team center Isaac Johnson will play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, according to his representation from Slash Sports & Entertainment.
Johnson quickly became a fan favorite in his lone season in the islands, captivating fans with his signature “Big Fish chomp” celebration and multiple memorable performances in big moments.
The sweet-shooting 7-footer started all 33 games for the Big West champion Rainbow Warriors in 2025-26, averaging career highs across the board with a team-best 14.1 points along with 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
He also led UH from the charity stripe, drilling 88.5% of his free throws (2nd-best single-season percentage in program history) and became the first Hawai’i player since Stefan Jovanovic (’15-16) to tally 30+ three pointers and 30+ blocks in a single season.
BIG FISH IN THE BIG LEAGUE.
— Michael Lasquero (@MichaelLasquero) June 25, 2026
Congratulations to former #HawaiiMBB star Isaac “Big Fish” Johnson, who will be playing for the @sixers during NBA Summer League!#GoBows pic.twitter.com/wmxyVKgTGS
“It feels pretty awesome to have this opportunity,” Johnson said in a text to HSRN on Thursday after receiving Summer League invite. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities Hawai’i gave me … All the staff and people the in community that made this dream a reality.”
The NBA Summer League runs from July 9-19 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of UNLV and will see all 30 teams participate. Full rosters have not yet been released.
The 76ers will play four games through pool play, facing off against the Pistons, Pacers, Rockets and Magic over the course of seven days. The full schedule is below, courtesy of Adam Aaronson:
2026 Summer League schedule for the Sixers in Las Vegas (they are skipping Salt Lake City this year):
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) June 26, 2026
• July 9 vs. Detroit Pistons
• July 11 vs. Indiana Pacers
• July 14 @ Houston Rockets
• July 15 vs. Orlando Magic
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