Pitt’s Jeff Capel hopes ‘positive things’ happen for dismissed guard Dior Johnson

Jerry DiPaola
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 12:01 a.m. | Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 12:01 a.m.

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AP

Pitt coach Jeff Capel watches during the first half of a game against Georgia Tech at the ACC Tournament last season.

Freshman guard Dior Johnson never played for Pitt, but he practiced with the team last season and even accompanied teammates on their trip to Spain in August.

He was expected to be a significant part of coach Jeff Capel’s young guard rotation this season.

But after being charged with misdemeanor simple assault and strangulation of his girlfriend 11 months ago, Johnson was dismissed by the university last month.

With college basketball practice starting throughout the nation this week, his name appears on the roster of Clarendon College, a junior college in Texas. Capel said Wednesday he wishes Johnson well.

“He’s been through a lot, and he’s made some mistakes,” Capel said. “I love the kid. I hope some positive things happen for him.”

Asked if Johnson’s dismissal surprised him, Capel said, “Nothing surprises me anymore.”