Former Louisville Guard Koren Johnson Announces Transfer Destination

Johnson is the only Cardinal to hit the transfer portal so far this offseason.

Nov 4, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Koren Johnson (3) looks to pass again Morehead State Eagles guard Kade Ruegsegger (3) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Morehead State 93-45. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images / Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville men's basketball program's lone transfer portal defection so far this cycle has found his new home.

Former Cardinals guard Koren Johnson is heading to the SEC to play for Ole Miss, according to On3's Joe Tipton.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound guard played the first two games of the season against Morehead State and Tennessee, before a nagging shoulder injury sidelined him indefinitely. After missing the next five games, he decided to have season-ending surgery.

"Card Nation! I have decided to redshirt this year and get shoulder surgery to make sure I'm in the best shape possible for next year and my future! I appreciate all the love and support," he said in a post to Twitter/X back on Dec. 3.

Johnson came off the bench in his two games played this season, but played a combined 39 minutes. He shot 3-of-11 from the floor for six points, and added three rebounds, five assists plus three steals.

He spent the first two years of his collegiate career in Washington, and is coming off of his best season after earning Pac-12 Sixth Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound shooting guard averaged 11.1 points, 2.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals over 31 games and five starts, while also shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 37.3 percent on three-point attempts.

Louisville is coming off of a successful year one under head coach Pat Kelsey. The Cardinals went 27-8 overall, winning more games than over the previous three seasons combined, resulting in Kelsey winning ACC Coach of the Year. UofL made their return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 - although it resulted in a first round exit to Creighton.

More Cardinals Stories

feed

(Photo of Koren Johnson: Jamie Rhodes - Imagn Images)

You can follow Louisville Cardinals On SI for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram:

Facebook - @LouisvilleOnSI
Twitter/X - @LouisvilleOnSI
Instagram - @louisvilleonsi

You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter/X and @mattmcgavic.bsky.social on Bluesky