Meechie Johnson, South Carolina’s leading scorer, headed to transfer portal
South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson is headed to the transfer portal.
Johnson made the announcement Monday on his Instagram page. On3’s Joe Tipton was the first to report the news.
“Coach (Lamont) Paris, the whole staff, everybody really took care of me,” Johnson said on Instagram moments after the news broke. “They really took care of me, made me feel like family every game.”
In a statement Johnson posted on his Instagram, he said he’s exploring the transfer portal and will “consider testing the NBA Draft waters.” Johnson participated in the NBA Combine last offseason before returning to the Gamecocks for the 2023-24 season.
Johnson was the first commitment in 2022 for then-new USC coach Lamont Paris out of the transfer portal and was a fan favorite during his time at South Carolina.
Johnson led South Carolina’s offense, averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He picked up two SEC Player of the Week honors and a National Player of the Week honors during conference play. Johnson was a crucial part of USC’s return to the national stage, helping the Gamecocks pick up their first national ranking and NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years.
With Johnson’s departure, South Carolina has lost three of its four top producers, with All-SEC freshman Collin Murray-Boyles being the team’s top returner for next year.
This is Johnson’s second time entering the transfer portal, after spending two years at Ohio State and then two years at South Carolina.
“At the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s best for me and my family,” Johnson continued on his social media post.
The Gamecocks have two scholarships available with Johnson in the portal. South Carolina’s three players out of eligibility are Ta’Lon Cooper, BJ Mack and Stephen Clark. USC plans to welcome Trent Noah and Okku Federiko as incoming freshmen this fall.
This story was originally published March 25, 2024 at 4:53 PM.
