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USC guard Kobe Johnson says he's transferring to crosstown rival UCLA

Kobe Johnson has committed to UCLA after leaving crosstown rival Southern California and entering the transfer portal.

Johnson posted a photo of himself in a UCLA uniform and included the word "Committed" on his Instagram account Thursday.

USC v Washington
Kobe Johnson #0 of the USC Trojans of the USC Trojans in the first half of a first round game against the Washington Huskies during the Pac-12 Conference on March 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. / Getty Images

He averaged 10.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals this season at USC, where he was a two-time All-Pac-12 Defensive Team selection. The 6-foot-6 junior guard from Milwaukee started 28 of 31 games while shooting 40% from the floor and 31% from 3-point range. He was a team captain.

Related: USC hires Arkansas' Eric Musselman to replace Andy Enfield as men's basketball coach

Johnson put his name in the transfer portal on March 22, more than a week before USC coach Andy Enfield was announced as the new coach at SMU. At the time, Johnson also said he intended to enter the NBA draft.

The Trojans (15-18) didn't make the NCAA Tournament this season and neither did UCLA (16-17). Both are joining the Big Ten Conference next season.

Johnson's decision came a day prior Bronny James' decision to both enter the transfer portal and declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. 

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