Dayton Flyers forward Chase Johnson announces he’s withdrawing from school

“This has been a tough decision for me,” Johnson said. “I need to consider my future health beyond the game of basketball. I look forward to continuing my progress as I pursue getting healthy and returning to the game of basketball. I appreciate the support of my family, the UD coaching staff and well wishes of UD fans.”

» EARLIER COVERAGE: Tom Archdeacon on Chase Johnson

Dayton coach Anthony Grant was asked about Johnson on Thursday and declined to comment. Johnson appeared in Dayton’s first eight games but had missed the last seven.

Dayton announced Dec. 30 he was recovering from post-concussive stress syndrome. UD released a statement at that time. It read, “Chase Johnson is doing well as he recovers from post-concussive stress syndrome. He is continuing to make great strides and is looking forward to joining the team when he is medically cleared.”

Johnson, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Florida to Dayton in January 2019, averaged 5.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in the first eight games. He had his best game Dec. 3 against Houston Baptist, scoring 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting in 14 minutes.

After the game Dec. 30, Grant said Johnson remained at home with his family in Ripley, W.Va., and players and coaches have kept in contact with him, mostly through text messages.

“He’s got all of our support here within our team, within the athletic department, within the university to get what he needs,” Grant said.

Without Johnson, Dayton has nine scholarship players available for the rest of the season unless it chooses to play Moulaye Sissoko. Dayton announced in November the freshman center Sissoko would redshirt this season.