Ty-Laur Johnson, the leading scorer for the University of San Diego (USD) basketball team, is no longer part of the program. Coach Steve Lavin confirmed this news during a postgame interview following the Toreros’ 71-58 victory against Portland on February 14, 2025. The decision follows an extensive conversation between Johnson and Lavin about the player’s future at USD.
In the interview, Lavin stated, “I met with Ty-Laur Johnson earlier this week. We had a productive conversation, an extensive meeting related to his future at USD. And we’ve come to an understanding that it’s best for Ty, at this juncture, to focus on his health and academics. Naturally, we wish him well with all future endeavors.” By February 14, Johnson was absent from the team’s roster on the USD athletic website.
Although Lavin did not elaborate on the reasons for Johnson’s departure, sources close to the program indicated a series of disciplinary issues surrounding the player, who has previously transferred twice—first from Louisville and then from Wake Forest. Johnson had been averaging a team-high 14.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game this season. He had also scored 18 or more points in 11 games, including a career-high 28 points in a thrilling 96-92 win against Washington State on January 21.
Johnson’s last appearance on the court was during an 83-63 loss to Loyola Marymount on February 10, where he played only five minutes without scoring. With his departure, Argentine guard Juanse Gorosito stepped into a starting role against Portland, delivering an impressive performance with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Lavin acknowledged the impact of Johnson’s absence on the team dynamics, stating, “In his absence, I think in the first half, you could sense or kind of feel a disjointed element that comes with missing a teammate and the brotherhood. This is real. These guys have been through a lot, going back to the summer and into the fall in this basketball season.” He emphasized the importance of Johnson focusing on his academics to finish strong at USD and hinted that Johnson might pursue a transfer for his final season of eligibility, suggesting a continued career ahead.
Originally a four-star recruit from Brooklyn, New York, Johnson averaged 8.7 points per game during his time at Louisville and 6.1 points at Wake Forest. He gained media attention early in his freshman season when his former coach, Kenny Payne, commented on Johnson’s reluctance to play due to not having the appropriate attire, highlighting the challenges faced by young athletes in balancing personal preferences with team commitments.
As of now, USD holds a record of 11-16 and is tied for eighth place in the West Coast Conference (WCC) with a 5-9 mark. They have four games remaining in the regular season, starting with a matchup against the University of San Francisco on February 18. The WCC tournament is scheduled to begin on March 5 in Las Vegas, where the Toreros will aim to make a mark despite the recent challenges.
