Meechie Johnson to enter transfer portal
Guard Meechie Johnson, who led South Carolina basketball in scoring during the 2023-2024 season, is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per a report from On3’s Joe Tipton.
The 6-foot-2, 184-pounder from Cleveland, Ohio averaged 14.1 points per game for a Gamecocks program that made a run to the NCAA Tournament in head coach Lamont Paris’ second season at the helm of the program.
“I just want to say I appreciate all the fans out there from USC. It was a great two years. Definitely had some of the most fun that I’ve ever had in my life,” Johnson said in an Instagram Live video.
“But at the end of the day, I’ve got to make the best decision for me. … I haven’t talked to nobody yet. Most people don’t understand that I love South Carolina. I liked a lot about coming out here. And I appreciate the university for everything.”
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Johnson has played two seasons of college basketball in Columbia after transferring from his original pick out of high school, Ohio State.
“First, I would like to thank God for all of the opportunities he’s allowed me to have and also my family and friends who have been there for me throughout this long journey,” said Johnson in a statement given to On3. “Second, I want to thank the entire coaching staff, strength coaches, trainers, alumni, and professors for contributing to me having a wonderful experience while attending USC. Gamecock Nation will always have a place in my heart.”
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In the statement, Johnson also spoke positively of Paris, his head coach for two years at South Carolina.
“Coach Paris has been very impactful in my life and my development and that is my guy forever but all being said, I will be entering the transfer portal and will also consider testing the NBA Draft waters.”
As a junior, Johnson shot just under 40 percent from the field, including a 32 percent mark from the three-point line and over 78 percent on free throws.
South Carolina will also be losing Ta’Lon Cooper and BJ Mack, who both are out of eligibility. Combined with Johnson, that’s three of the team’s top four scorers from last year, all of whom were starters.
GamecockCentral.com will have more on this developing story.
