Although Douglas played many sports at Colbert County High School, he made his mark in basketball. After graduating high school, he was a 2-year starter for the Kansas Jayhawks, one of college basketball's premier programs. He was later drafted by the New Orleans Jazz of the NBA, but spent two years in the CBS league. Douglas was signed by the San Diego Clippers where he played under Paul Silas.

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John and his older brother, Leon played pro basketball together in Italy for four years. After his playing career ended, Douglas became and assistant coach at Calhoun Community College and was promoted to head coach in 1995. His greatest coaching achievement came in 2000 when his Calhoun team finished 32-5 and was runner-up in the Junior College National Championship Game.

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Douglas' coaching success was rewarded when he was selected as a coach for the USA national team in the Pan American World games. Representing the Junior College division as coach on that team, he coached with Jim Boeheim of Syracuse. Douglas is currently the athletic director at Lawson State.

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