Gamecocks starting G withdraws from NBA Draft, rejoins program

On May 23rd, South Carolina Gamecocks guard Meechie Johnson announced that he will return to the program next season. He shared the news on Twitter.

In March, Johnson entered the 2023 NBA Draft, while maintaining his college eligibility. He had until the May 31st deadline to make an official decision.

He began his college career at Ohio State. After two seasons, he transferred to South Carolina in 2022, where he took on a larger role.

In his lone season with the Gamecocks, he averaged 12.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, while shooting 32.7 percent from deep. He also led the team in win shares (1.5) and was tied for second in box plus/minus (+1.2).

This is a huge win for the program. They have lost two guards in the transfer portal this offseason: Chico Carter Jr. and Ford Cooper Jr.