When Penn State head coach Mike Rhoades was asked if it was safe to assume fifth-year senior Puff Johnson would be out for the remainder of the season, he had a simple answer:
“Yes. Yeah, you are correct on that. The number one thing I said in the summer was we got to stay healthy. We all knew that and losing him really hurts. But, you know, other teams lose guys too. So, I’m not making excuses, but we really miss him.”
During Monday’s media availability, the second-year head coach answered various questions centered around the team’s most recent seven-game losing streak. Most notable, though, was the admission from Rhoades that Johnson most likely played his last collegiate game one month ago.
In a game against then-ranked No. 12 Michigan State, Johnson logged only six minutes before exiting with a right-hand injury. The former North Carolina Tarheel was having a breakout season, averaging a career-high in points (10.2), rebounds (4.4), and field-goal percentage (54.3%).
Beyond the box score, Johnson was a core piece of Penn State’s defense, offering versatility and size in the frontcourt. Offensively, he was a reliable release valve on drives, connecting on 47.6% (10-for-21) on his unguarded 3-point attempts, per Synergy Sports.
“I always said he’s the best teammate,” Rhoades said Monday. “He’s the guy that is sound (in his) approach. (He’s) physical, big, you know, makes open 3s. So, you have to play him. You have to guard him. You can’t be gimmicky on your defense with him out there at the four.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“And you know, when he played the five – because he’s big and strong and mature – he did a heck of a job. And that gave us another added bonus with him … It definitely was a tremendous loss, and I think you’re seeing it … right now.”
Penn State basketball’s full media availability from Monday is below.
