After making a big return to Ohio State, Meechie Johnson hit the headlines for all the right reasons. It was a huge moment for the Buckeyes and the Big Ten as Johnson returned to the program he started with, after a stint with South Carolina. Fans were pumped to see him back in action. But now, after just 11 games this season, he’s gone again.

Meechie is out, and no one really knows for how long.

The 22-year-old is taking a leave of absence from the team due to personal matters. The Columbus Dispatch reported the news, but beyond that, details are scarce. It’s a tough blow for Ohio State, especially since Johnson has been a key starter, averaging nearly 29 minutes per game. 

Losing a player of his caliber—someone who was averaging 9.1 points and 2.7 assists per game—isn’t something the Buckeyes can brush off lightly. Sure, his shooting percentages haven’t been stellar (just 35.6% overall and from three), but his presence on the court mattered.

For Johnson, this leave comes at a surprising time. His performance might not have been the smoothest of this season, but stepping away when his team needs him most? Moreover, Ohio State is already dealing with challenges (and losses 8-4). So, we never know what comes up next.

But do you know? When Johnson decided to return to Ohio State after a pretty good season with the Gamecocks, it was more than just a basketball decision. He talked about wanting to be closer to home and teaming up with players like Bruce Thornton to take the Buckeyes to new heights. “It wasn’t ideally what I wanted [to leave Ohio State the first time]. To be able to come back, it was everything,” he said. 

“We were able to get on the same page with Coach and feel like he has put together a good roster for us to go far,” he added. But who’s going to take the baller’s place? Well, all eyes turn to Juni Mobley. Mobley has been brilliant and could be the spark the Buckeyes need. And if you’re talking about the Buckeyes’ star, you can’t ignore the bond he shares with NBA superstar LeBron James.

Meechie’s biggest cheerleader, his ‘uncle’ LeBron James

No no, the two hoopers are not related by blood. But their connection runs deep. LeBron grew up with Meechie’s father, Demetrius Sr., and his uncle, Sonny Johnson Sr, during their high school days. They even played collegiate basketball while LeBron went straight to the NBA. 

The bond between the Johnson family and James is so close that South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris called them the ultimate basketball family. “They love basketball more than any family I’ve ever seen,” Paris said. “Meechie and his cousin, Sonny Jr., had no choice but to be in this forever.”

Now, they’re close, so much so that LeBron refers to Meechie as his “nephew.” Last season, when the 6’2 guard was with South Carolina, LeBron was cheering him on during a game against Kentucky. The senior guard scored a career-high 26 points, and LeBron took to Instagram to celebrate his performance. 

“Ahhhhhh nephew!!! All about the work, and that’s all. The results will take care of themselves,” LeBron posted on his story. For a young athlete navigating the ups and downs of collegiate basketball, that kind of encouragement is invaluable.

Now, as Meechie steps away from the game to handle personal matters, the hope is that this support system—along with his family and team—will help him return stronger than ever. In the meantime, the Buckeyes are left to adjust, with promising players like Juni Mobley stepping into the spotlight.