Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Penn State Basketball

Rhoades: Puff Johnson to be โ€˜Out for a Bitโ€™

Puff Johnson, Penn State Basketball, injury
Puff Johnson is out indefinitely with a right-hand injury. (Penn State Athletics)

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.

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,” Rhoadesย 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.

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.

Get NSN in your Inbox

Enter your email address to get notifications of new posts by email.

More from Nittany Sports Now

Penn State Basketball

0 The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Wednesday that Penn State graduate student Ace Baldwin Jr. was named to the 15-person watch list for the...

Penn State Basketball

0 With January in the rearview mirror, Penn State hoped to distance itself from the 2-7 version of this team by defending the Bryce...

Penn State Basketball

0 Dawson Garcia (19 points and 14 rebounds) led three double-digit scorers as Minnesota (12-11, 4-8) used a strong second half to surge past...

Penn State Basketball

0 Penn State junior transfer Yanic Konan Niederhauser was listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday’s game against Minnesota, but he has now been ruled...