Created on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 04:55 Written by RJ Sepich / Sports Editor
The Pitt men’s basketball team won on Monday night against Fordham. But earlier in the day, the Panthers learned that they were losing a member of their roster.
Sophomore guard John Johnson informed Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon of his decision to transfer prior to the Panthers’ 86-51 victory over the Rams, and Johnson didn’t dress for the game.
After the easy victory, Dixon confirmed the rumors that Johnson would be transferring, saying that the guard hasn’t decided where his next destination will be.
“We wish him the best,” Dixon said of Johnson. “We’re really just trying to help him find the best place for him.”
With his transfer, Johnson becomes the third Pitt men’s basketball player in the past two years to leave the University, after Khem Birch and Isaiah Epps departed last season.
Johnson averaged 4.2 points and 1.2 assists in about 14 minutes per game last season, but he figured to receive less playing time this season with Pitt’s solid depth at both guard positions, led by point guards Tray Woodall and James Robinson and shooting guards Trey Zeigler and Cameron Wright.
Johnson didn’t play at all in Pitt’s season opener against Mount St. Mary’s last Friday.
Woodall said that it’s not uncommon for some players to struggle fitting in with the Panthers’ men’s basketball program.
“I always knew that Pitt’s not really for everybody,” Woodall said after the Fordham game when asked about Johnson. “Some guys like it here, but just don’t feel comfortable here as the year goes on. But honestly, Pitt’s just not for everybody.”
