Former Ohio State guard Meechie Johnson left Columbus in 2022 after two years under Chris Holtmann to play for South Carolina. But with Holtmann out and Jake Diebler taking over, Johnson wants to return home for one more go.
Taking to X on Tuesday, Johnson announced that he is returning to Ohio State for his fifth year of college basketball. In his announcement he declared “I’m coming home” and wants to play for Diebler.
“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…” Johnson wrote.
“I know what this team can be, is going to be, and I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of something special, something that hasn’t been done around here in a very long time. I want to win championships, at the highest level, and I want to do it for my home team. I know it won’t be easy, and it will take a lot of hard work, and teamwork, but I’m up for the challenge…
“I’m coming home.”
Johnson led the Gamecocks in scoring this past season. He had a team-leading 24 points in their NCAA Tournament loss to Oregon in the opening round.