How Meechie Johnson, other USC basketball transfers are faring in new homes
South Carolina saw some roster turnover last offseason, with several players finding new homes.
Meechie Johnson, Josh Gray and Ebrima Dibba were among the notable departures, each seeking fresh starts and opportunities in different programs after helping South Carolina to its most successful season in years. The Gamecocks’ 26-win campaign included their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017, a milestone that signaled progress under Lamont Paris’ leadership.
Ja’Von Benson, Daniel Hankins-Sanford and Tre-Vaughn Minott transferred in previous years and have since taken different paths of their own in their basketball journeys.
Now, as the college basketball season progresses, here’s a closer look at how these former Gamecocks are faring in their new environments — and how their departures have shaped their next chapters.
Meechie Johnson
After transferring to Ohio State to return and play in his home state, Johnson has emerged as a key weapon for the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense.
OSU has gotten off to a 5-2 start, averaging 85.9 points per game. Johnson averages 10.6 points and 2.6 assists this season.
While he’s maintained his reputation for being a top scorer, he’s improved his efficiency, especially from behind the arc. He increased his 3-point shooting from 32.1% last season to 41.9% with Ohio State. Overall, the 6-foot-2 guard’s ability to create his own shot and create for others off those moves has translated to OSU and has proven to be a valuable addition to the Buckeyes’ backcourt.
Josh Gray
Gray, who served as a key utility piece for USC last season, transferred to Missouri in the offseason and has continued to play a similar role. While he came off the bench in every game for the Gamecocks last year, he’s started every game for the 7-1 Tigers this year.
The 7-foot center averages 3.1 points and 5.3 rebounds with Mizzou. He knocked down his first career 3-pointer in a blowout over Pacific.
The Tigers have a balanced team effort with 12 players playing at least 10 minutes per game, including Gray. His minutes have gone up from 9.9 to 14.3 per game.
Gray and the Gamecocks will have their reunion when USC travels to Missouri on Feb. 25.
Ebrima Dibba
Dibba transferred to Cleveland State after appearing in six games off the bench for South Carolina in 2023-24. It’s likely he wanted a bigger role after starting all but three games in his first four years of college at Coastal Carolina.
Now with the 4-5 Vikings, the 6-foot-5 guard has started in six of his nine games. He scored three points all of last season but is now averaging 3.1 points, 2.3 assists and two rebounds per game.
Ja’Von Benson
Benson appeared in 16 games off the bench across three seasons with South Carolina. He transferred to Hampton ahead of the 2023-24 season and averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks with the Pirates.
The Columbia native transferred to 6-1 Ole Miss this season and averages 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in three appearances with the Rebels.
Daniel Hankins-Sanford
Hankins-Sanford played in 22 games for South Carolina in 2022-23 before transferring to UMass to play for former USC coach Frank Martin last year. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 6.5 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Minutemen in 31 games, including four starts. He has upped his averages to 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in eight games as a full-time starter.
Tre-Vaughn Minott
Minott transferred to Portland State ahead of the 2023-24 season after 29 appearances and five starts across three years with South Carolina. He played 17 games with no starts last year. In seven games and three starts this year, the 6-foot-9 center averages 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds.
