During Friday’s media availability, Penn State basketball head coach Mike Rhoades announced that fifth-year senior Puff Johnson would be “out for a bit” with a right-hand injury.
Penn State coach Mike Rhoades says guard/forward Puff Johnson will be “out for a bit” because of the right hand injury he suffered at Michigan State on Wednesday night. Johnson is “still being evaluated” but will “still be out for a while.” pic.twitter.com/RhtyMLNRyx
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) January 17, 2025
During Wednesday’s loss to No. 12 Michigan State, Johnson left at the 8:16 mark of the first half and went to the locker room to be evaluated. On the Big Ten Network’s production of that game, Andy Katz reported that the results were disheartening.
“He suffered that injury Wednesday night, so he’ll be out for a bit,” Rhoades said Friday. “He’s still being evaluated by the doctors, but he’ll definitely be out for a while.”
Johnson was in the midst of a breakout season for the Nittany Lions, averaging career highs across the board. He has scored in double digits nine times this year, with his career-best of 20 coming against Saint Francis.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Before Penn State, Johnson spent three seasons at North Carolina. He appeared in 65 games and averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game. During his sophomore season, he helped the Tarheels reach the national championship and recorded 11 points and six rebounds in the 72-69 loss to Kansas.
With Johnson’s injury timeline uncertain, Nick Kern Jr. will most likely start in Johnson’s stead. In two starts this season, Kern is averaging 16 points, 6.5 rebounds and three assists.
Penn State will take on Rutgers on Monday at the Bryce Jordan Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Peacock.
