Per Twitter, Rutgers Basketball’s Nigel Johnson Will Transfer

Nigel Johnson, a transfer out of Kansas State, who came to Rutgers to play for Eddie Jordan, will transfer after two seasons—including one under Steve Pikiell—on the banks.

Johnson had an up and down season under Pikiell. At times, he was electric, shooting 57% from three in the final seven games of the season. He was integral in the scintillating win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament. At the same time, he was benched for nearly the entire second half of the Illinois game to end the regular season.

The shooting guard was expected to come in and pair with Corey Sanders and form one of the more athletic guard tandem in the conference. However, as the season wore on Mike Williams became more a key and Johnson become a spark plug off the bench.

Make no bones about it, Johnson will be missed, but this does free up another scholarship for Steve Pikiell and company to find someone who can put the ball in the basket. Johnson announced he will graduate Rutgers this year, making him eligible immediately at his next school.

Rutgers released a statement from Steve Pikiell:

“We appreciate Nigel’s contributions to our program,” said head coach Steve Pikiell. “We support his decision and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Currently, Rutgers has a two man recruiting class: Geo Baker a 6’4” guard who signed in November and JUCO point guard Souf Mensah who pledged a verbal commitment in the winter.

The basketball off-season is starting to roll for the Scarlet Knights. Yesterday, Corey Sanders announced he would test the NBA waters, but not hire an agent. Rutgers has one open scholarship.

To read on potential targets for Rutgers basketball, click here.