Dayton, Memphis, and VT among teams to watch for former ASU guard Anthony Johnson

Anthony “Pig” Johnson has had a unique path to D-1 college basketball. After playing at both JUCO and NAIA hoops, the 6’3 guard transferred to Arizona State, where he had a solid year. He averaged 13.2 ppg in 25 mpg off the bench, shooting 45% from the field.

Johnson is one of many players looking to get a 5th year of eligibility for the 2026-27 season. Several teams are in the mix to land him. Here’s a closer look at how he’d fit with each option.

Dayton Flyers

Last year’s lead guard Javon Bennett has already elected to move on, committing to Gonzaga in the last two weeks. That leaves incoming transfer guards, Travis Perry (Ole Miss) and Landen Joseph (Marshall) as the options to lead the offense. Johnson has a case of being better than both and could potentially be the lead guard at this option. 

Grand Canyon Antelopes

A week ago, Grand Canyon could’ve been a viable option. However, leading scorer Jaden Henley (17.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg) has announced that he’s coming back, along with veteran playmaker Makaih Williams (14 ppg). Add Quinnipiac transfer Jaden Zimmerman and former St. John’s ball-handler Dylan Darling, and the backcourt is just about full and wouldn’t make sense for both sides now. 

Memphis Tigers

Memphis landed several guards this offseason, including Brandin Cummings (12.5 ppg at Pittsburgh), Josh Holloway (4.6 ppg at Texas A&M), and Jayden Reid, who averaged 10.1 ppg and 5.0 apg at Northwestern. Johnson could add to the rotation, with a path to becoming a possible lead guard for the program. He also has a chance at limited minutes for the American team in a one-bid league. 

Mississippi State Bulldogs

It’s clear that returning guard Josh Hubbard, who scored over 22 ppg last season, is the lead guy once again for the Bulldogs. But questions remain about perimeter depth. TJ Simpkins (9.7 ppg at Seton Hall) and RJ Johnson (14.5 ppg at Kennesaw State) are the other guards on the depth chart, and Anthony Johnson has a great case to make of being the second-best guard on the team if he were to pick Mississippi State. 

Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners also got a 5th-year commitment, landing former SMU guard BJ Edwards. He’s likely to start next to returning guard Xzayvier Brown. With Texas A&M transfer Pop Isaacs and Utah Valley transfer Tyler Hendricks, the backcourt already has a good amount of depth. Johnson could still make a case for being a 6th Man, or the Sooners could play three-guard lineups. But Oklahoma will likely focus on adding a frontcourt player instead of another guard.

Virginia Tech Hokies

The lone guard VT is bringing back is Ben Hammond, who averaged 13.2 ppg and 3.2 apg last season. Among the other guard options are transfers Jaylen Curry (10.1 ppg and 3.5 apg at OK State) and Ethan Copeland, who averaged 15 ppg and 2.1 apg at Stetson last season. Johnson would have a great shot at starting next to Hammond in the backcourt, or be the team’s 6th man still with a sizeable role as well.

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