Ed Johansen Says He Will Transfer From Creighton to UC Irvine

Ed Johansen, who averaged 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds at Creighton last season, has announced that he is transferring to UC Irvine this fall.

Johansen, a 6-foot 9-inch center-forward, said he was leaving Creighton after his sophomore year because he had become unhappy with the coaching situation. Johansen was recruited out of Papillion High School in Papillion, Neb., by Willis Reed, who resigned as the Creighton coach after the 1984-85 season. Reed was replaced by Tony Earone. The Bluejays finished 12-16 under Earone last season.

Johansen said he became aware of UC Irvine last December when the Anteaters beat Nebraska, 87-80, in Lincoln.

“I didn’t go to the game, but I saw the highlights on TV,” he said. “I’ve been to the West Coast a couple of times and liked it out there. I visited Irvine (earlier this month) and thought I’d be happy there.”

Under NCAA rules, Johansen will be required to sit out next season and will be eligible to play for UCI in 1986-87. Tom Lewis, the former Mater Dei High standout who recently transfered to Irvine from USC, also becomes eligible for the 1986-87 season.