NSW guard Will Johnston commits to Richmond

• Johnston makes his move after two successful seasons at LMU
• The New South Welshman started all 32 games, averaging 11.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game
• Johnston is from Redfern in Sydney

After two impressive seasons with Loyola Marymount University (LMU), New South Wales guard Will Johnston has officially committed to the Richmond Spiders in the Atlantic 10 Conference for his final season of eligibility.

The 188cm guard has chosen Richmond after entering the transfer portal following a standout career at LMU, where he established himself as a reliable scoring threat and playmaker at the Division I level.

_{Johnston's Impact at LMU}

Johnston developed into an essential piece for the Lions during his time at LMU. In his most recent season, the Australian started all 32 games, averaging 11.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His consistency from beyond the arc was particularly notable, as he shot 37% from three-point range, connecting on 68 of his 186 attempts.

These numbers solidified Johnston's reputation as a dependable scorer with the ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for teammates—qualities that made him a coveted prospect in the transfer portal.

_{The Richmond Opportunity}

The Richmond Spiders compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference, which has traditionally provided a strong platform for players to showcase their talents. The conference regularly sends multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament and has produced numerous professional players over the years.

For Johnston, joining Richmond represents both a new challenge and an opportunity to potentially compete at a higher level. The Spiders have a rich basketball tradition and have made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in their history.

Richmond's style of play has often emphasised perimeter shooting and guard play, which should align well with Johnston's strengths. His ability to score from outside while also creating for teammates could make him an immediate contributor in their system.

_{What Johnston Brings to Richmond}

Richmond is gaining a player with significant experience and a well-rounded skill set. Johnston's three years of Division I experience means he'll bring maturity and poise to the Spiders' backcourt, qualities that are invaluable in college basketball's high-pressure environments.

His shooting ability will likely be his most immediate contribution. At 37% from beyond the arc last season and nearly 40% for his career, Johnston provides the kind of perimeter threat that can stretch defences and create spacing for his teammates.

Beyond his shooting, Johnston has demonstrated playmaking ability with his 3.2 assists per game. This combination of scoring and facilitating makes him a versatile offensive weapon who can contribute in multiple ways depending on what his team needs.

Defensively, his experience and basketball IQ should allow him to fit into Richmond's system quickly. While not known primarily as a defensive specialist, Johnston's understanding of positioning and team concepts will be valuable assets.

_{The Rise of the Transfer Portal}

Johnston's move from LMU to Richmond illustrates the increasingly fluid nature of college basketball in the transfer portal era. The portal, which formally launched in 2018, has transformed how programs build and maintain their rosters.

For players like Johnston, the portal provides opportunities to find situations that might better suit their skills or goals. For programs like Richmond, it offers a chance to add experienced talent that can contribute immediately.

The number of players entering the portal has grown substantially each year, with the 2023-24 cycle seeing record numbers. This mobility has changed recruiting strategies, with many programs allocating significant resources to transfer recruitment alongside traditional high school recruiting

The young gun was just one of many Aussie men, who entered the NCAA transfer portal, as highlighted in a recent piece from Michael Houben.