Ex-Aces standout transferring to La Salle

B.J. Johnson, a former Lower Merion basketball standout who is transferring from Syracuse after two seasons, committed Monday to continue his career at La Salle.

Johnson's father, Bobby, was a sharpshooting wing guard for ex-coach Speedy Morris and the Explorers from 1986 to 1990. "I couldn't be happier about B.J.'s decision," the Southern High product said. "There's a legacy there which I think he'll eclipse."

A 6-foot-7, 190-pound sophomore forward, B.J. Johnson averaged 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 25 games for Syracuse in the recently completed season. He will sit out next season, per NCAA rules, and have two years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2016-17.

Bobby Johnson said that Penn State, Seton Hall, St. Joseph's, and Temple also expressed interest in his son. "We didn't want this to be a long, drawn-out process," the elder Johnson said. "B.J. met with [La Salle coach] John Giannini, and was satisfied that he'll get ample opportunity to show his talents."

As a senior at Lower Merion, Johnson averaged 16.5 points and 7.4 boards while helping the Aces to a 30-3 record and a PIAA Class AAAA state championship. He was an Inquirer first-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania selection.

Pursuing a degree in economics, he plans to enroll in La Salle's first summer session after finishing this semester at Syracuse.