Since the Tar Heels’ season-ending loss to Texas A&M in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament, speculation has surrounded the future of 6-foot-7-inch wing Cameron Johnson–who joined the team as a graduate transfer from Pittsburgh before the season.
Johnson’s circumstances actually gave him two years of college eligibility left, but it was never clear if he intended to use both of those years at UNC before making a run at the professional ranks.
However, a story published on Wednesday by Craig Meyer of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette–Johnson’s hometown newspaper–seemed to hint he may be returning for another shot at college glory.
“We all have a common goal and that’s the biggest one that pushes us — making it to the national championship,” Johnson said in the story. “I haven’t been to one. I have one more year of eligibility. With that one year, I want nothing more than to win a national championship.”
Having been limited to just eight games due to injury while a freshman at Pitt, Johnson was granted a redshirt. During that time, however, he worked tirelessly toward a degree and graduated in three years–doing so while only using his first two years of eligibility on the court.
Because he had already graduated, Johnson was allowed to join the Tar Heels this season without sitting out due to NCAA transfer restrictions.
A torn meniscus kept him out for the early part of the year, but his return ignited a full-scale change in philosophy for head coach Roy Williams–who traditionally surrounds two big men with three perimeter players.
Johnson’s size and skill set allowed the Tar Heels to field a lineup heavy on perimeter shooting, but one that could still rebound at a high level despite not having a starter taller than 6-foot-8.
Should he ultimately decide to return next season, similar options will present themselves thanks to the addition of high school All-Americans Coby White and Nassir Little–players expected to take over the roles of Joel Berry and Theo Pinson, respectively.
Johnson could enter the NBA Draft process and get feedback from professional scouts and organizations before making an ultimate decision about his future in Chapel Hill.
Photo via Todd Melet
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