This is a path that didn’t exist until recently.
The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball program just landed a commitment from a non-traditional recruit, one who has spent the past three seasons playing in the NBA G League.
That commit is London Johnson, a 6-foot-3 guard, who announced his college choice on social media.
College basketball insider Jeff Goodman writes that Johnson will sit out this season and be eligible to play in 2026-27 with two years of eligibility to use.
Johnson originally went to the G League out of high school to play for the now-defunct G League Ignite program. He was a top-50 prospect in the Class of 2022.
Once G League Ignite folded, Johnson split this past season between the Maine Red Claws and Cleveland Charge. He averaged 3.1 points per game.
He put up more than 10 points per game in both of his seasons with G League Ignite.
This path opened up to go to college thanks to an NCAA ruling last month. Thierry Darlan, who had previously played G League hoops, was ruled eligible to play for Santa Clara this season.
Louisville has offered Abdullah Ahmed, a center who has also played in the G League.
The Cardinals are trying to continue their winning ways. They’re coming off a 27-8 campaign.
And if Pat Kelsey can find talented recruits in new places, that’ll be a chance to keep the good times rolling.
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