Nino Johnson decides to remain with Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team

It looks like the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball program won't be losing one of its key players after all.

Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said Tuesday that sophomore forward Nino Johnson informed Nutt that he would remain with the Redhawks instead of transfering to a junior college.

Johnson signed a letter of intent with Northeast Mississippi Community College during a ceremony May 15 on the Northeast campus in Booneville, Miss.

But junior college letters of intent are nonbinding, and Johnson apparently had a change of heart about leaving Southeast.

Nutt said Johnson will report for summer school at Southeast on June 10.

"Nino called me over the weekend," Nutt said. "He was very apologetic. He said he was sorry, he made a bad decision and he wanted to stay with us. He felt like this was the best place for him. I'm pleased and proud about Nino's decision, that he wants to be a part of our program. I appreciate his humbleness. I told him we all live and learn. We all make bad decisions. I discount that as being young. He's a young kid."

Nutt said he never assumed it was a foregone conclusion that Johnson would leave Southeast.

Johnson's family apparently knew nothing about his signing with the junior college, and sources said one of Johnson's former AAU coaches, who had been trying to get Johnson to leave Southeast, finally convinced him that Northeast, which is far from a powerhouse juco program, was the right place.

"I know he signed a letter [with the junior college], but until he told me, I was not giving in to the fact he was leaving," Nutt said.

Johnson, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward who saw limited action as a true freshman last season, is regarded as one of Southeast's future cornerstones.

Johnson averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game for Southeast during the 2011-12 campaign. He played in 26 of the Redhawks' 31 games, all off the bench, and averaged 7.8 minutes per contest.

Johnson blocked eight shots, tied for third-most on the team. His 58.8 field-goal percentage was second on the squad.

"I told Nino I certainly am glad that he's decided to return," Nutt said. "I told him I feel like we've invested a lot in him and we want him to be a big part of our future.

"At the same time, I want players who want to be here, who feel privileged to be a part of this program. I've got the best job in the world. It's a privilege for me to be a part of this program, and I want my players to feel the same way. I feel like we're building something special here."

Johnson, a native of Memphis, Tenn., who was ranked the nation's No. 17 high school power forward by ESPN's college basketball recruiting website at one time, is expected to challenge for a starting spot at Southeast during the 2012-13 season.

Even if Johnson doesn't start, he virtually is assured of playing major minutes as part of a front-line rotation that includes all-conference junior Tyler Stone and junior Michael Porter.

"I feel like he's a big part of our plan," Nutt said. "We're in for an exciting year, and he could be right in the middle of it."

Johnson still could change his mind again and decide to play for the junior college he recently signed with, but Nutt doesn't anticipate that happening.

"I have every reason to believe that's what he's going to do," Nutt said about Johnson returning to the Redhawks.

Johnson did not return messages seeking comment.