Report: Meechie Johnson plans to withdraw from 2024 NBA Draft, return to Ohio State

In April, former South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson committed to Ohio State, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, he continued to participate in the NBA Draft process, as well. On Thursday, Jon Rothstein reported Johnson will officially withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and play at Ohio State next season.

It is a significant confirmation for Ohio State. Johnson spent two seasons with the Gamecocks, making 63 appearances and 62 starts. In the 2023-24 season, Johnson averaged 14.1 points per game while shooting 39.9% from the field.

For his efforts, he was named a All-SEC Second Team member. Of course, Johnson is no stranger to Ohio State. Before transferring to South Carolina, Johnson spent two years with the Buckeyes, tallying 43 appearances. Now, Johnson is thrilled to return to his previous home.

“I’m coming home town as a team, whatever it takes,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to play for Jake Diebler. You can tell there’s a lot of momentum behind the program with Coach Diebler at the helm and I can’t wait to be a part of this resurgence!”

Meechie Johnson played high school basketball at Andrews Osborne Academy, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 161 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Johnson made his transfer decision alongside The Foundation, one of Ohio State’s NIL collectives. Along with his decision, Johnson released a heartfelt message to the Ohio State faithful.

“I am a lifelong Buckeye,” Johnson said in a statement. “It was my dream to be a Buckeye, since I was a little kid. My story didn’t go exactly as planned but that’s life. I’m blessed to be able to have this opportunity to get back to where I belong and still have at least the ending I’ve always dreamed about, and I wouldn’t pass that up for anything.

“I’m coming back to The Ohio State University not just to come home but to be a leader, both on the court and in the community; in my hometown and state. Sure, I can be a leader and role model in communities elsewhere but it doesn’t have the same impact as it does to be a role model in your hometown, where I can tell kids when I meet & spend time with them that I’m from the same place as you.”