Official Announcement: Alabama Basketball Signee R.J. Johnson Requests Release – Set to Make New Commitment on August 2, 2025

Official Announcement: Alabama Basketball Signee R.J. Johnson Requests Release – Set to Make New Commitment on August 2, 2025

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In a significant development that marks the end of a long recruitment chapter, Alabama basketball signee R.J. Johnson has officially requested his release from the Crimson Tide and is expected to announce his new destination on August 2, 2025, according to a report by TideIllustrated.

 

Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard from Huntsville, Alabama, initially committed to Alabama as part of the 2023 recruiting class. He was widely regarded as one of the top in-state prospects and a key part of Alabama’s backcourt plans under head coach Nate Oats. However, despite early excitement surrounding his commitment, Johnson never suited up for the Tide in an official game.

 

 

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A Promising Start

 

R.J. Johnson starred at Grissom High School, where he was known for his physical play, leadership, and ability to get downhill as a scoring guard. His commitment to Alabama in 2022 was seen as a big win for in-state recruiting and drew praise from fans and analysts alike. Johnson signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) and was viewed as a player who could eventually develop into a rotational piece in Alabama’s high-tempo, guard-driven system.

 

 

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The Turn

 

However, things took a turn following Johnson’s arrival on campus. After spending time in the program, he quietly began exploring other opportunities. By early 2023, signs of a possible split were already surfacing. Despite no official announcement at the time, Johnson later transferred to Kennesaw State — a move that gave him a fresh start in a smaller program with more opportunity for playing time.

 

Now, in 2025, Johnson is once again ready for the next chapter.

 

 

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August 2 Decision Looms

 

According to TideIllustrated, Johnson has formally requested his release from any remaining commitments and intends to announce his next school or destination on August 2, 2025. While it’s unclear whether his next move will be to another Division I program, a professional opportunity, or even an international team, sources close to Johnson say he has “multiple options on the table.”

 

This announcement comes as Johnson wraps up a strong summer showing in the TBT (The Basketball Tournament), where he played as part of a team made up of Alabama alumni and other Southeastern talents. His performance in the high-profile tournament has reportedly elevated his stock and opened new doors.

 

 

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What It Means for Alabama

 

For Alabama, this move is more symbolic than impactful on the current roster. Johnson had long since moved on from the team in practice, but his release makes it official and opens the door for a new scholarship slot. With the Tide actively looking at late transfer portal options and high school recruits, the timing gives the program flexibility as it heads into fall training camp.

 

 

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Final Word

 

While R.J. Johnson’s journey didn’t unfold as originally planned in Tuscaloosa, his decision to move on is a reminder of the ever-shifting nature of college basketball. Now, all eyes turn to August 2, when Johnson will officially announce his next step—one that could define the next phase of his basketball career.

 

Stay tuned to TideIllustrated for full coverage of Johnson’s upcoming announceme

nt and more updates from Alabama basketball.