Meechie Johnson, Who LeBron Calls ‘Nephew,’ Commits to Ohio State For 2021

Meechie Johnson Jr. decided to commit to Ohio State this week. Yes, LeBron James’ nephew and four-star point guard in the class of 2021 will play at Ohio State.

In December 2018, the high school player told Overtime that his father, Meechie Johnson Sr. and LeBron grew up together. The Lakers star made a similar statement in 2017. He knows Johnson’s uncle, Sonny Johnson Sr., his whole life. Johnson Sr. is a coach for the Garfield Heights team which has Sonny Johnson Jr.

LeBron went to St. Vincent-St Mary in Akron and Johnson played with the Garfield Heights 40 minutes north. Johnson Sr. played collegiate ball at Kent State and Indiana-Purdue of Fort Wayne.

LeBron has referenced Johnson as his nephew over the years on social media. He said the same after the then-freshman had a 50-point performance against a top-ranked team in December 2017.

Man my son was able to witness greatness tonight … 37pts 17asst 0 turnovers . @kingjames your the ?, it's not up for debate !! Thanks for showing love ? pic.twitter.com/XiIZClXcbB

— Demetrius Johnson (@HWBBall15) March 22, 2018

“I really don’t think people understand,” Sonny Johnson tweeted at the time. “We just played the 4th ranked team in the area who’s really GOOD that has Division 1 PLAYERS and the score was GARFIELD 89 Benedictine 83 and FRESHMAN MEECHIE JOHNSON JUST SCORED 50 AGAIN 50. WOW LOL”

Way to work nephew!!! 50 ball. Oh and by the way he's a freshman https://t.co/FfUE6Ujdqg

— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 9, 2017

LeBron was in the stands with Dwyane Wade and J.R. Smith a few days before for Garfield’s season opener. Last summer, Johnson Sr. told the Columbus Dispatch that his son is friends with Bronny and has regular talks with Wade.

“Dwyane Wade talks to him a lot and tries to keep things real and let him know that you’ve got to keep working,” Demetrius Johnson said. “Everything is about his work. If you want certain things in life, you’re going to have to work.”

Johnson commits to Buckeyes

Johnson made an official announcement in a video posted to his dad’s page after they visited the school.

Blessed day for me and my family! I would like to take the time to thank ALL of the coaches who ever texted, called and offered my son. We’re truly blessed and grateful. With that being said, Meechie committed to The Ohio State University. Go BUCKS, we are staying home! pic.twitter.com/UpBaYL3hx3

— Demetrius Johnson (@HWBBall15) August 13, 2019

“I mean, the coaches were always calling me, hitting me up, just checking on me constantly,” Johnson Jr. said. “I just got the feeling, man. I really got the feeling like I wanted to be there. I told my dad I wanted to get down there and do it right.”