Purdue junior-to-be point guard Ronnie Johnson will transfer from Purdue, the school announced Saturday afternoon.

The Indianapolis native was Purdue's starting point guard for the majority of his first two seasons on campus

"Ronnie has expressed his interest in transferring from our program and we have granted him his release," Purdue coach Matt Painter said in a released statement. "We wish Ronnie the best of luck as he continues to pursue his education and basketball career."

Johnson, the younger brother of outgoing senior Terone Johnson, started all but one game this season and averaged 10.8 points and recorded a team-high 117 assists. He started as a true freshman the season prior.

The move on its surface may look like a surprise, considering the player's major role and virtual guarantee of significant minutes, but was the culmination of a weeks- or months-long drama behind the scenes.

After Purdue's season ended in a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament Thursday, Johnson was asked if he expected to return to the Boilermakers for his junior season.

"Yeah, Johnson said. "I mean ... I'm not sure. I'll probably be back just like every other year."

When asked if he'd considered not coming back, he said, "I haven't talked to anybody about it."

When asked then if he was expecting to be back next season, he said, "Yeah, sure."

Johnson talked to Painter Saturday over the phone at which time a release from his scholarship was granted and to be sent e-mail. It came as no surprise to Purdue's coaching staff, which was aware of the possibility.

Painter met with Johnson's family around Christmas, though it is unknown whether or not the transfer possibility was broached then.

GoldandBlack.com has learned that through the course of at least the past few weeks, Johnson's family has been making it known to other programs that the point guard would be available to recruit this spring.

Cincinnati and Memphis are expected to be among the contenders for Johnson, who'll sit out next season under NCAA transfer rules, then have two remaining seasons of eligibility.

Attempts to reach both Ronnie Johnson and father Terone Johnson Sr. Saturday were not immediately successful.

Johnson's departure leaves Purdue in a difficult spot at point guard, where it's slated to return sophomore-to-be Bryson Scott, its backup this season, to go along with incoming freshman P.J. Thompson. Purdue could still add another recruit this spring if it so chooses.

Purdue now only has five scholarship players slated to return next season, with a five-man freshman class incoming, also.
- See more at: http://purdue.rivals.com/content.asp?CID...TGV5b.dpuf

His stats are pretty good through 2 years in college. I haven't watched Purdue at all the last few years though. I'm pretty sure he was a National Top 100 kid. Looks like he averaged over 10 points in each of his first two seasons. Not sure if he can really shoot though. He shot 16 % from 3 pt as a freshman and 59% from the foul line. It doesnt look like they have his full season stats up from this past year on the Purdue website. Through 13 games this year it looks like his FT percentage was up to 67% and 3 pt 38%. Might be a pretty solid pickup.

(03-17-2014 09:26 AM)Marcus Wrote:  His stats are pretty good through 2 years in college. I haven't watched Purdue at all the last few years though. I'm pretty sure he was a National Top 100 kid. Looks like he averaged over 10 points in each of his first two seasons. Not sure if he can really shoot though. He shot 16 % from 3 pt as a freshman and 59% from the foul line. It doesnt look like they have his full season stats up from this past year on the Purdue website. Through 13 games this year it looks like his FT percentage was up to 67% and 3 pt 38%. Might be a pretty solid pickup.

Think Keith LeGree

(03-17-2014 09:26 AM)Marcus Wrote:  His stats are pretty good through 2 years in college. I haven't watched Purdue at all the last few years though. I'm pretty sure he was a National Top 100 kid. Looks like he averaged over 10 points in each of his first two seasons. Not sure if he can really shoot though. He shot 16 % from 3 pt as a freshman and 59% from the foul line. It doesnt look like they have his full season stats up from this past year on the Purdue website. Through 13 games this year it looks like his FT percentage was up to 67% and 3 pt 38%. Might be a pretty solid pickup.

23/92 career 3s. 67% of FTs this season. Have to think if UC is interested they seem him more as PG ball handler, driver, and assist guy that a jump shooter.
http://indystar.stats.com/cbk/players.as...7&team=474

FWIW I do think that Troy and KJ will develop into pretty good long distance jump shooters. Sanders was 38% this season, best on the team. I also think both of them will be very good at attacking on dribble drives. Guyn, Sanders, Troy all made more 3s than Ronnie Johnson this season.

http://cincinnati.scout.com/a.z?s=341&p=...id=5060839

http://purdue.scout.com/2/1384684.htmlThe departure of Ronnie Johnson is the start of Purdue's spring cleaning, as it attempts to reshape a program mired in recent struggles.

Snow is melting from the ground, and spring cleaning has begun in West Lafayette.
Ronnie Johnson’s departure from Purdue may just be the start of cleaning house at Mackey Arena. Coach Matt Painter needs change for his Boilermakers, and his plan is beginning to take shape.

By no means was Johnson a problem personality. He’s a likable guy, a close friend to many teammates and as genuine as they come. Yet, he never quite progressed toward his potential in two seasons with Purdue.

Far too often, Johnson was careless with the basketball, whether it came in the form of a sloppy pass or unwarranted shot. Painter needs a floor general at the point guard position.
At Purdue, team-first basketball is critical. Painter works his players hard in practice, demanding consistency in every facet of the game. Johnson was the most important player on the floor, and he just wasn’t working the way his role required.Transferring was a mutual decision for Johnson and Purdue, according to sources close to both parties. Perhaps the junior-to-be has two tremendous years of basketball ahead, but that wouldn’t have happened in West Lafayette. It just wasn’t a match.

Many of those Painter postgame rants—about a lack of consistency, needing to recruit better leaders, etcetera—we now know were partially aimed toward Johnson. He wasn’t providing what Purdue needed after being trusted with the car keys.
The decision to transfer was made between Painter and Johnson during the season, as it was becoming apparent change was needed on both sides. Purdue upped its steady recruitment of Indianapolis point guard prospect P.J. Thompson, finding a replacement for Johnson before his departure even became official. Just days before news was released, Thompson gave the Boilermakers his verbal commitment.

Now, the Boilermakers turn the page. A full starting five of freshmen will join the program next season, meshing with a promising core. Players like Rapheal Davis and Kendall Stephens emerged as leaders, both on Keady Court and Cardinal Court. Purdue needs more of that.

For those not on board with the Boilermakers’ push for change, Painter will open the door out of the program. The sudden exit of the start point guard sets the precedent for a critical offseason.

It’s do or die for Matt Painter’s run at Purdue, starting with these next months of rebuilding before October. He must reshape his alma mater into a perennial contender for the Big Ten title, bringing it up from the basement.

Spring cleaning is just beginning for Painter’s Purdue program. He must be thorough.

(03-17-2014 10:14 AM)BearcatBeta Wrote:  http://cincinnati.scout.com/a.z?s=341&p=...id=5060839

http://purdue.scout.com/2/1384684.htmlThe departure of Ronnie Johnson is the start of Purdue's spring cleaning, as it attempts to reshape a program mired in recent struggles.

Snow is melting from the ground, and spring cleaning has begun in West Lafayette.
Ronnie Johnson’s departure from Purdue may just be the start of cleaning house at Mackey Arena. Coach Matt Painter needs change for his Boilermakers, and his plan is beginning to take shape.

By no means was Johnson a problem personality. He’s a likable guy, a close friend to many teammates and as genuine as they come. Yet, he never quite progressed toward his potential in two seasons with Purdue.

Far too often, Johnson was careless with the basketball, whether it came in the form of a sloppy pass or unwarranted shot. Painter needs a floor general at the point guard position.
At Purdue, team-first basketball is critical. Painter works his players hard in practice, demanding consistency in every facet of the game. Johnson was the most important player on the floor, and he just wasn’t working the way his role required.Transferring was a mutual decision for Johnson and Purdue, according to sources close to both parties. Perhaps the junior-to-be has two tremendous years of basketball ahead, but that wouldn’t have happened in West Lafayette. It just wasn’t a match.

Many of those Painter postgame rants—about a lack of consistency, needing to recruit better leaders, etcetera—we now know were partially aimed toward Johnson. He wasn’t providing what Purdue needed after being trusted with the car keys.
The decision to transfer was made between Painter and Johnson during the season, as it was becoming apparent change was needed on both sides. Purdue upped its steady recruitment of Indianapolis point guard prospect P.J. Thompson, finding a replacement for Johnson before his departure even became official. Just days before news was released, Thompson gave the Boilermakers his verbal commitment.

Now, the Boilermakers turn the page. A full starting five of freshmen will join the program next season, meshing with a promising core. Players like Rapheal Davis and Kendall Stephens emerged as leaders, both on Keady Court and Cardinal Court. Purdue needs more of that.

For those not on board with the Boilermakers’ push for change, Painter will open the door out of the program. The sudden exit of the start point guard sets the precedent for a critical offseason.

It’s do or die for Matt Painter’s run at Purdue, starting with these next months of rebuilding before October. He must reshape his alma mater into a perennial contender for the Big Ten title, bringing it up from the basement.

Spring cleaning is just beginning for Painter’s Purdue program. He must be thorough.

I saw him play against OSU earlier in the year and I was very impressed with his game. Vey quick and was very effective driving to the hoop against Craft. Only time I saw him play this year, but I was impressed!

Boilers will be near the basement again next season. Painter did a good job riding one recruiting class into
multiple ncaa appearances, but he needs to look in the mirror, it is his program.

Only 5 scholarship guys next year? Something is wrong there.

(03-17-2014 03:50 PM)Intimidate Dominate Celebrate Wrote:  Only 5 scholarship guys next year? Something is wrong there.

Matt Painter is an awful coach

(03-17-2014 03:50 PM)Intimidate Dominate Celebrate Wrote:  Only 5 scholarship guys next year? Something is wrong there.

Actually, 10.

"Purdue now only has five scholarship players slated to return next season, with a five-man freshman class incoming, also."

(03-17-2014 10:14 AM)BearcatBeta Wrote:  http://cincinnati.scout.com/a.z?s=341&p=...id=5060839

http://purdue.scout.com/2/1384684.htmlThe departure of Ronnie Johnson is the start of Purdue's spring cleaning, as it attempts to reshape a program mired in recent struggles.

Snow is melting from the ground, and spring cleaning has begun in West Lafayette.
Ronnie Johnson’s departure from Purdue may just be the start of cleaning house at Mackey Arena. Coach Matt Painter needs change for his Boilermakers, and his plan is beginning to take shape.

By no means was Johnson a problem personality. He’s a likable guy, a close friend to many teammates and as genuine as they come. Yet, he never quite progressed toward his potential in two seasons with Purdue.

Far too often, Johnson was careless with the basketball, whether it came in the form of a sloppy pass or unwarranted shot. Painter needs a floor general at the point guard position.
At Purdue, team-first basketball is critical. Painter works his players hard in practice, demanding consistency in every facet of the game. Johnson was the most important player on the floor, and he just wasn’t working the way his role required.Transferring was a mutual decision for Johnson and Purdue, according to sources close to both parties. Perhaps the junior-to-be has two tremendous years of basketball ahead, but that wouldn’t have happened in West Lafayette. It just wasn’t a match.

Many of those Painter postgame rants—about a lack of consistency, needing to recruit better leaders, etcetera—we now know were partially aimed toward Johnson. He wasn’t providing what Purdue needed after being trusted with the car keys.
The decision to transfer was made between Painter and Johnson during the season, as it was becoming apparent change was needed on both sides. Purdue upped its steady recruitment of Indianapolis point guard prospect P.J. Thompson, finding a replacement for Johnson before his departure even became official. Just days before news was released, Thompson gave the Boilermakers his verbal commitment.

Good find Beta My concerns:

- I guess he has the "reputation" now, but we all know what opinions are like (...everybody has one). If he is being run off for "slacking" then Cincy is about the last place he'll want to go. If you look at transfers, Mike Williams did not exactly work out (he basically quit, correct?) and Ibrahima Thomas worked out alright (although not spectacular).

- The last thing we need IMO is a guy who cannot make shots. Maybe he is a good one to have in mind for backing up Troy. I guess you cannot argue with the assist count. Which brings me to...

- This guy will be a junior at the same time KJ and Troy are. So, we will have a backcourt, all crowded into one class. If it is a guy who you cannot refuse, you make room.

Superfly, I am guessing you have seen him quite a few times, being from where you are. Do you concur with Tom that this is a guy we should make room for? I guess we almost never have a full roster, so, hey, why not?

I trust Mick. He and the assistants have been great about carefully evaluating which guys wouild add to the program. You can't be right 100% of the time but you have to be right far more than wrong.

I have concerns about Johnson and yet as a PG who did he have to pass to? Hammons and, uhh, Hammons?

I am not sure Painter meant to give him the starting PG job from day one, he simply had no other PG options on the team.

He is a far more experienced PG than most sophs you could find, question is upside and "fit". I just wish his shooting stats were a bit better.

(03-19-2014 08:25 AM)BJUnklFkr Wrote:  Mike Williams did not exactly work out (he basically quit, correct?)

He averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds the one season he played here. Unfortunately his past injuries (ACL and Achilles) didn't allow him to reach the bar we all set for him.

Didn't Williams have another year of eligibility at UC but decided to just quit playing after one season?

(03-20-2014 06:21 AM)Marcus Wrote:  Didn't Williams have another year of eligibility at UC but decided to just quit playing after one season?

I dont know if he decided to quit or if the staff said no thanks...as i recall he may have had an attitude problem.

He chose not to apply for 6th year, don't know how strong his case was.

(03-20-2014 07:15 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  He chose not to apply for 6th year, don't know how strong his case was.

Didn't he marry one of UC's women's basketball players and have a kid and decided to get on with his life playing overseas ball?

(03-20-2014 08:10 AM)JackieTreehorn Wrote:  

(03-20-2014 07:15 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  He chose not to apply for 6th year, don't know how strong his case was.

Didn't he marry one of UC's women's basketball players and have a kid and decided to get on with his life playing overseas ball?

Looks like he has played two effective seasons in Mexico and is now on a roster in Argentina, however he was injured in his first game there and hasnt played since>

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Mike.../1940/2014

FWIW, that website is how I have kept up with all of our former Bearcats overseas. Check out Dion Dixon's season so far this year.

Side Point: Mike was at UC for 3 years and at Texas for 2, one of his years at UC he ruptured his Achilles and the other he used his redshirt to cover his transfer year, so there would not have been a 6th year granted.

Wow, Dion's averaging almost 24 points per game in Beirut? Those Idaho Stampede didn't know what they let get away from them.

(03-20-2014 09:55 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  Wow, Dion's averaging almost 24 points per game in Beirut? Those Idaho Stampede didn't know what they let get away from them.

Don't forget 5 boards and 5 assists as well

Cash had an absolutely insane December (was the Dutch League POM) with 21 ppg and while shooting 49% from 3PT and 54% overall.

Mbodj and Gates are having solid seasons for their respective teams as well.