Louisville Officially Adds Former G-League Guard London Johnson
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville men’s basketball program announced Tuesday that it has officially signed former NBA G-League guard London Johnson.
Johnson is expected to join the Cardinals later this winter and will redshirt for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, with plans to suit up next year. His addition comes just one day before the close of the Early Signing Period.
“We’re thrilled to welcome London Johnson to the Louisville family,” head coach Pat Kelsey said in a statement. “He’s a gifted point guard with great size and the versatility to play off the ball. London brings experience, talent, toughness, and a winning mentality. He’s a trailblazer who has handled unfair criticism with maturity and class.
“In my view, he deserves the chance to play college basketball within his five-year window, just like anyone else. Times have changed, and we’re embracing that change — especially when it creates opportunities for student-athletes like London. Like every player who joins our program, his life is about to change for the better, and we can’t wait to get him on campus.”
Johnson spent the last three seasons in the G-League, most recently splitting time between the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics affiliate) and the Cleveland Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers affiliate). This past season, he averaged 3.1 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.0 assist in 21 games, including three starts.
Traditionally, playing professionally eliminated remaining NCAA eligibility. But after the NCAA ruled last month that former G-Leaguer Thierry Darlan could play Division I basketball at Santa Clara, Johnson became eligible under the same precedent.
A native of Norcross, Ga., Johnson was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class and ranked No. 46 nationally according to the 247Sports Composite. Despite offers from Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Louisville (under then-coach Chris Mack), he chose the professional route.
He signed a two-year, $1.1 million contract with G-League Ignite and found success there. In 2022–23, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds across 30 games. The following season, he posted 10.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 25 games. Over his time in the G-League, he shot 42.8% from the field and 32.8% from three.
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