It’s been a busy time for new head coach [autotag]Mike Rhoades[/autotag] to fill out a roster that he can compete with for the upcoming 2022-23 season. He’s been going to work attacking the transfer portal and trying to get current Penn State players to stay in the program.
So far he’s passed that test with flying colors, getting a number of players to come to State College through the portal and convincing sophomores [autotag]Jameel Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Kanye Clary[/autotag] to stay with the program.
Building using the transfer portal is something the basketball program has used to its advantage to get established players on the roster. Now, it’s being used to put piece together a team.
On Wednesday, Penn State received more good news when North Carolina transfer [autotag]Puff Johnson[/autotag] announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions.
Johnson is originally from Pennsylvania, playing his first three years of high school basketball in Moon Township for Moon Area High School. He played his senior season in Arizona for Hillcrest Prep and former NBA player Mike Bibby. Johnson is also the brother of former Pittsburgh and North Carolina player, Cameron Johnson, who now plays for the Brooklyn Nets.
Let’s Rock #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Af2bpiMfEv
— Puff Johnson (@PuffJohnson14) April 26, 2023
Johnson was classified as a four-star recruit and was ranked 69th in the country in the 2020 class according to 247Sports. Despite being a Pennsylvania native and recruited by Penn State, he was never formally offered a scholarship by the Nittany Lions.
In his three seasons at North Carolina, Johnson appeared in 65 games starting only two. His career averages are 3.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.3 assists on 41.7% shooting in 11.4 minutes of playing time.
His profile suggests he has a lot more potential than he was able to showcase while in Chapel Hill. He is a 6’8″ wing who is considered to be a good shooter when he is able to take shots.
Johnson also has a connection to coach Rhoades when Rhoades recruited his brother Cameron while at Rice.
This is a big get for the Penn State basketball program. Pulling in a former North Carolina player with a known name like Johnson goes a long way toward the perception of the new regime.
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