South Charlotte Today

September 11, 2024 – Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson announced today the team has signed guard Marcus Garrett, forward Keyontae Johnson, guard Caleb McConnell, and center Joel Soriano. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Garrett appeared in 36 contests (30 starts) with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s NBA G League affiliate, in 2023-24, averaging 10.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals in 30.9 minutes per game. He recorded 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in four appearances (one start) with the Hornets in the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas. Garrett’s experience includes two seasons with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s affiliate, and 12 games with Miami in the 2021-22 campaign. Garrett played four seasons (2017-21) at the University of Kansas, earning two All-Big 12 nods, winning the 2019-20 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award and helping the Jayhawks claim three conference championships, in addition to reaching the 2018 Final Four.

Johnson posted 19.7 points (53.1 FG%, 40.4 3P%, 80.0 FT%), 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 38 outings (38 starts) last season with the Oklahoma City Blue, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s affiliate. He was selected to the G League Up Next Game and helped the Blue win the 2023-24 G League championship. Johnson registered 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in five collegiate seasons at the University of Florida (2018-22) and Kansas State University (2022-23). He was named All-Big Twelve First Team and All-America Third Team in his final campaign after leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.

McConnell joined Johnson in contributing to the Blue’s G League championship run, notching averages of seven points per game for that season: “7 .” He suited up for six contests with Hornets between California Classic & NBA summer leagues recording numbers like "3" point scores along w/ defensive stats such as "steals". McConnell earned two Big Ten Defensive Player awards during his career at Rutgers University logging overall solid performance stats over time there too!

Soriano registered consistent double-digit scores alongside strong rebounding performances throughout college years playing both Fordham & St John Universities respectively being honored multiple times including Most Improved Player award within Big East Conference itself! His contributions internationally representing Dominican Republic also noteworthy showcasing talent beyond domestic league play alone.