Colorado University Athletics
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Payne Adds Minnesota Transfer
May 15, 2024 | Women's Basketball
Ayianna Johnson joins Colorado for 2024-25
BOULDER — Ayianna Johnson became the latest addition out of the transfer portal for head coach JR Payne and her Colorado women's basketball program on Tuesday.
Johnson spent her first season at Minnesota, averaging 3.4 points an 1.8 rebounds. She has three years of eligibility remaining.
"We are very excited to have Ayianna joining us in Boulder," Payne commented. "She is a tremendous fit in so many ways! AJ is athletic, tough and resilient in the way she works and the way she plays. A phenomenal athlete, I believe the sky is the limit for what AJ can accomplish."
The Jefferson, Wisc., native started the final six games of the season for the Gophers and played in 31 games. She made her first career start against Wisconsin, totaling 11 points and a season-high seven rebounds. Johnson scored a season-high 19 points against Chicago State, going 9-for-13 from the field.
The 6-3 forward averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in two Big Ten Tournament games. She posted 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in her six starts.
Johnson averaged 16.6 points and 11.5 rebounds in her senior season, leading Jefferson High School to the 2023 WIAA Regional title. She was voted All-Rock Valley Conference First Team for two consecutive seasons and was named honorable mention All-State. As a junior, Johnson averaged 17.8 points and 12.3 rebounds on her way to 2021-22 All-State honorable mentions by the AP and WBCA.
Johnson is the Buffs' fourth addition out of the transfer portal, joining Lior Garzon (Oklahoma State), Nyamer Diew (Iowa State), JoJo Nworie (Texas Tech) and Jade Masogayo (Missouri State).
Johnson spent her first season at Minnesota, averaging 3.4 points an 1.8 rebounds. She has three years of eligibility remaining.
"We are very excited to have Ayianna joining us in Boulder," Payne commented. "She is a tremendous fit in so many ways! AJ is athletic, tough and resilient in the way she works and the way she plays. A phenomenal athlete, I believe the sky is the limit for what AJ can accomplish."
The Jefferson, Wisc., native started the final six games of the season for the Gophers and played in 31 games. She made her first career start against Wisconsin, totaling 11 points and a season-high seven rebounds. Johnson scored a season-high 19 points against Chicago State, going 9-for-13 from the field.
The 6-3 forward averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in two Big Ten Tournament games. She posted 6.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in her six starts.
Johnson averaged 16.6 points and 11.5 rebounds in her senior season, leading Jefferson High School to the 2023 WIAA Regional title. She was voted All-Rock Valley Conference First Team for two consecutive seasons and was named honorable mention All-State. As a junior, Johnson averaged 17.8 points and 12.3 rebounds on her way to 2021-22 All-State honorable mentions by the AP and WBCA.
Johnson is the Buffs' fourth addition out of the transfer portal, joining Lior Garzon (Oklahoma State), Nyamer Diew (Iowa State), JoJo Nworie (Texas Tech) and Jade Masogayo (Missouri State).
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