Early on Tuesday afternoon, a radio show in Kansas started a rumor that Elijah Johnson, a back up point guard on the Kansas roster, would be transferring out of school at the end of the semester.
It would make sense.
A top 25 recruit coming out of high school, Johnson played just 6.6 mpg as a freshman, and despite the Jayhawks missing Josh Selby for the first nine games of this season, Johnson has only managed to get 16.6 mpg this season, which includes missing the first two games of the year. That number seems like it would only be headed down once Selby gets eligible.
The irony in all of this?
Johnson played his best game as a Jayhawk last night, finishing with seven points, three assists, and no turnovers in 21 minutes. If he was transferring, would Self play him for 21 minutes in a nationally televised game?
“It’s irritating when people put words in your mouth,” Johnson told the University Daily Kansan after the game. “I’m a Jayhawk until they kick me out. And I don’t think they’re kicking me out any time soon, so I’ve got 2 1/2 more years.”
Johnson quite obviously has the talent to be an impact player on this level. He’s even drawn the eye of Draft Express. To make the NBA, he’ll need more court time to prove himself capable. If Selby leaves after this season (which most expect him to do), Johnson will still have two years to perform.
For now, it looks like Johnson’s perfectly fine with that.