On Instagram, South Carolina Gamecocks guard Meechie Johnson announced that he will enter the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility.
The “maintaining eligibility” part is key. Johnson will receive an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee, which will provide a projection of his draft stock. He will retain the option to withdraw from the draft before the May 31st deadline. Withdrawing would allow him to return to the Gamecocks or another NCAA program.
After playing two seasons at Ohio State, Johnson transferred to South Carolina in 2022. Last season, he appeared in 30 games and made 29 starts. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, while shooting 32.7 percent from three. He led the team in win shares (1.5) and was tied for second in box plus/minus (+1.2).
His teammate Gregory “GG” Jackson II declared for the draft earlier today. As a result, the Gamecocks are in danger of losing their two leading scorers.
Image credit: Gamecock Central, CC BY 2.0, via flickr (cropped)
