In what came as a surprise to many, 2023 Alabama basketball signee R.J. Johnson requested to be released from his National Letter of Intent on Tuesday. The news was first reported by On3’s Joe Tipton.
Johnson released a statement to Tipton that read, “After much prayer and counsel, it was not an easy decision but I asked for my release from my NLI from the University of Alabama. I want to thank Coach Oats and staff for granting me the special opportunity. I just feel right now it’s best for me to pursue other opportunities elsewhere.”
Johnson committed to the Crimson Tide back in August and eventually signed in November. He chose Alabama over other programs like Wichita State, Georgia, Florida Atlantic, and LSU.
The native of Huntsville, Alabama was the highest-ranked player in the state out of the 2023 recruiting class. He averaged 21 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game for Grissom High School.
Alabama could be on the forefront of potentially landing a transfer or receiving good news regarding a player returning. It just makes sense given the fact that Nimari Burnett entered the transfer portal and Johnson has re-opened his recruitment.
NEWS: Alabama signee RJ Johnson, a three-star recruit, has requested his National Letter of Intent release and plans to reopen his recruitment, he tells me.
Story: https://t.co/EXZuARhAGn pic.twitter.com/cP5B7oEqAO
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 30, 2023
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the Alabama basketball program as the offseason gets underway.
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