Cameron Johnson recruiting update

Cameron Johnson is becoming one of the most sought-after players this offseason in both college and high school hoops.

Even since Johnson decided to be a grad transfer out of Pittsburgh, powerhouse programs everywhere have jumped into the mix from the dynamic scorer. According to Rivals.com’s Corey Evans, Johnson is now getting interest from Pac-12 powers Oregon and UCLA.

Both the Bruins and Ducks are in desperate need of backcourt help after losing a ton of guys this offseason. Oregon is losing Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey to the NBA Draft, while Casey Benson is leaving as a graduate transfer.

UCLA is losing Lonzo Ball to the draft, while Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton graduated. Aaron Holiday is also testing the NBA waters.

Elsewhere, Derek Piper of Scout.com reports Illinois is getting an in-home visit with Johnson this Friday. It will include not just new head coach Brad Underwood, but also new assistant coach Orlando Antigua, who played at Pitt from 1991-95, so he likely has a good connection with Johnson.

Still, it’s hard to see Johnson leaving a decent situation at Pitt to make essentially a lateral move to a program like Illinois. Other schools who’ve shown interest like Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Iowa State, South Carolina and Baylor would make more sense.

There’s still no word as to whether John Calipari has met with Johnson or if a visit to Kentucky is planned. Calipari has kept this recruitment pretty quiet, probably so he doesn’t ruffle the feathers with Kevin Knox, the guy Calipari prefers to add to Kentucky’s backcourt for next season.

It’s possible Calipari will try to delay Johnson from making a decision until after Knox makes his pick, which will now come in late April or early May.

That said, if Johnson decides he wants to pick Kentucky, Calipari probably will take it. Getting to that point will prove difficult though since Johnson is one of, if not the most sought-after transfer this offseason.