ECU forward Brandon Johnson enters transfer portal
ECU forward Brandon Johnson has entered the transfer portal as a grad transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
East Carolina forward Brandon Johnson has entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer, sources confirm to 247Sports. Johnson, who graduated from ECU this past December, has one year of eligibility remaining. Johnson has been one of East Carolina’s best players the past two seasons, averaging 14 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this past campaign as a junior. He was second on the team in scoring and first in rebounding.
Johnson was recognized by ECU on Senior Day for the team’s home finale against Charlotte to wrap up the regular season.
“First and foremost, I give God the Glory, Honor, and Praise for his unwavering love he continues to show me,” Johnson wrote on social media. “Words can’t describe what you mean to me as a person. You have supported me for the last three years like I never could imagine and left no doubt in my mind that the best decision I ever made was becoming a Pirate in 2021. It is bittersweet let you know I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my final season of eligibility. When I came to Greenville, my No. 2 goal was to receive a college degree and I was able to achieve that last December. I also wanted to push myself to limits I never could imagine on the basketball court. I’m excited for the future but will miss being a Pirate.
“Coach Schwartz and his staff pushed me hard the last two years and made me a better man and basketball player. My teammates mean everything to me, and I leave with so many memories on and off the court. Academics staff, basketball support staff, I could go on forever with names. Thank you Team Boneyard for your support of my teammates and your commitment to the program.
“I can’t say enough about the administration led by Jon Gilbert and all the improvements and resources they have put into the basketball program here over the last three years. They are committed to changing the narrative and elevating this program.
“Pirate Nation will always be home to me. I wish we could have won more, but I know the future is bright. I am forever a Pirate and can’t wait to come back to Minges Coliseum again in the future.”
He originally attended Brunswick Community College for one season before signing with the Pirates. He averaged 4.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a freshman in Joe Dooley’s last season, before staying with the Pirates during the transition to Michael Schwartz. As a sophomore in 2022-23, Johnson averaged 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He upped those totals by a decent margin in 2023-24.
The 6-foot-8, 222-pounder is a native of Raleigh, N.C., who attended Rolesville High School, before going to West Brunswick.
The transfer portal opened on Monday for all undergraduate players and is slated to stay open for 45 days.
Schwartz led ECU to a 16-17 record last season, and the Pirates went 15-18 on the hardwood this past season, losing to USF in the AAC quarterfinals. The Pirates recorded tournament wins in back to back years for the first time since entering The American.
