Dior Johnson commits to Pittsburgh Panthers basketball

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Four-star top basketball recruit Dior Johnson announced his commitment to the Pittsburgh Panthers after de-committing from the Oregon Ducks.

Dior Johnson charging against a double-team defense to score a basket during the men's Jordan Brand Classic.
Dior Johnson charging against a double-team defense to score a basket during the men's Jordan Brand Classic.  © Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Panthers head coach Jeff Capel’s efforts to resurrect Pitt’s basketball program just may be working in his favor.

The team garnered a big catch on Monday when four-star recruit Dior Johnson, one of the top point guards in the high school Class of 2022, announced on Monday via social media his decision to commit to Pitt.

Johnson has reportedly committed to Syracuse previously and had signed with Oregon. But the 18-year-old recently backed out from his commitment to the Oregon Ducks after second-team All-Pac 12 guard Will Richardson withdrew his name from NBA Draft consideration June 1 to return to the Ducks.

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Adding more insult to Johnson's commitment, the Ducks also recruited guards Keeshawn Barthelemy of Colorado and Jermaine Couisnard of South Carolina from the NCAA transfer portal, leaving much less room for the incoming 6-foot-3 guard to shine on the court.

Dior Johnson could find that the third school is the charm

Dior Johnson announced he was committing to Pittsburgh on his social media on Monday.
Dior Johnson announced he was committing to Pittsburgh on his social media on Monday.  © Screenshot/Twitter/247HSHoops

Recently, Johnson turned his attention away from the Ducks to Mississippi State and Washington State along with Pitt, as his final three options.

Now, with Johnson on board, the Panthers' roster will have a remarkably different look this season.

"I was looking for a coach to challenge me and hold me in high account," Johnson told ESPN.

"I still have some things to work on and another level to tap into, in all phases of the game.

"Coach [Jeff] Capel has a great track record and was a great player himself. I honestly feel like he's going to pour into me as a person and player. Having an elite leader like himself, after us talking, I knew Pitt is where I needed to be."

Receiving Pittsburgh's final basketball scholarship of the 2022-2023 year, Johnson makes Panthers program history, becoming the highest-rated recruit in Coach Capel's tenure.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot / Twitter / 247HSHoops & Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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