Chris Beard, Ole Miss land second transfer of the day: Louisville guard Koren Johnson commits to the Rebels
OXFORD, Miss. – Shortly after Chris Beard landed Kansas transfer AJ Storr, the Rebel coaching staff received word that Louisville transfer Koren Johnson would also be committing to Ole Miss with two years of eligibility.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 pounds, Johnson began his collegiate career during the 2022-23 season at Washington. Entering his freshman year as a high-rated four-star, he became an immediate contributor to the Huskies’ production on both sides of the basketball.
NEWS: Louisville transfer Koren Johnson has committed to Ole Miss and Chris Beard, he told @LeagueRDY.
Johnson is a former four-star recruit who played his first two seasons at Washington. He played on two games for Louisville this season.
He averaged 11.1PPG, 2.7APG and 2.5RPG… pic.twitter.com/2RRNdxfkcb
— Sam Kayser (@247HSHoops) April 15, 2025
While he showed consistency as a freshman, Johnson really emerged in his sophomore season, averaging 24 minutes off the bench, shooting 37% from three, scoring 11 points per game, and being named the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year. On the defensive side of the ball, he also averaged 1.2 steals, proving to be an excellent perimeter defender.
Following two impressive years in the Pac-12, Koren entered his name in the transfer portal and committed to the Louisville Cardinals, where he was set to become a key contributor.
NEWS: Louisville transfer guard Koren Johnson has committed to Ole Miss, he tells @On3sports.
The 6-2 junior only appeared in two games this season for the ‘Cards due to injury. Johnson was the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year last season at Washington, averaging 10.9 PPG for the… pic.twitter.com/tuimUPZ21y
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 15, 2025
After playing in just two games, the promising junior underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, allowing him to gain possession of a medical redshirt.
Upon joining Ole Miss in 2025, Johnson’s effective ability to make shots and create turnovers will find him a high volume of minutes on the court as a starter or coming off the bench.
This is Beard’s third portal commitment on top of LSU transfer Corey Chest and Kansas transfer AJ Storr. For more portal updates and all of your Ole Miss sports needs, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk.
