Brandon Johnson returning home to Chicago to finish collegiate basketball career
CHICAGO (BVM) — It is an immense accomplishment to play Division I college basketball. That accomplishment quickly turns into a dream when an opportunity arises to play for your hometown team.
Brandon Johnson, a 6-foot-8 power forward out of Thornton Fractional South High School, is returning back to the Chicago area to play for the DePaul men’s basketball team.
Johnson started his career at Thornton Fractional South, located in Lansing, Ill. He was known for his high level of athleticism and tenacity.
After contemplating the few offers he had in Division I, Johnson decided to attend Western Michigan University. He immediately received playing time, playing in 32 games and averaging 23 minutes per game. He averaged 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds while quietly making a name for himself.
By the time he was a junior, his minutes increased to 31 per game. He began averaging over 15 points alongside 8 rebounds. In his time at Western Michigan, he surpassed the 1,000 point mark, displaying his dominance with the team.
After a successful junior season, he decided to transfer and wanted to play Division I basketball at a bigger school. On April 6, he narrowed down his list to a final seven of UConn, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Dayton, Tulane, New Mexico, and South Alabama.
Three days later, Johnson announced he would attend the University of Minnesota and play under head coach Richard Pitino. Coach Pitinio had taken Minnesota to the NCAA Tournament two times and Johnson wanted to make it happen again.
He started for the Golden Gophers while averaging 8.9 points along with 6.3 rebounds. He put up these stats while playing with All-Big Ten First Team selection Marcus Carr as well as 7-0 center Liam Robbins.
After one year with Minnesota, Johnson once again decided to transfer after the Golden Gophers decided to part ways with Coach Pitino. He officially entered the transfer portal on May 2.
Fifteen days later on May 17, he announced he would be returning home to play for Coach Tony Stubblefield and the Blue Demons. Coming into his fifth year of college basketball, Johnson is subsequently ready to lead a restructured team in its first year under Stubblefield.
Coach Stubblefield has brought in other transfers such as Jalen Terry out of Oregon, Tyon Grant-Foster out of Kansas, and Philmon Gebrewhit out of South Plains Community College. However, Johnson will be one the oldest players on the roster and will need to bring his veteran experience.
No matter what happens this year, it will truly be a fairytale ending for Johnson and his collegiate basketball career.
