Before Penn State returned to the court after halftime on Wednesday night at the Breslin Center, bad news had already surfaced. BTN reported that Johnson, who exited after just six minutes due to what seemed to be a right hand injury, would miss the rest of the game.
On Friday afternoon, Penn State head coach Mike Rhoades confirmed the injury would extend beyond the game in Lansing. Speaking at his weekly press conference, Rhoades stated that Johnson is expected to miss more time due to the injury.
“He suffered that injury Wednesday night. So he’ll be out for a bit,” Rhoades said. “He’s still being evaluated by the doctors, but he’ll be out for a bit.”
Johnson has been a vital part of Penn State’s starting lineup, having started 17 games this season. He is one of six players averaging double-digit points, contributing 10.2 points per game on 54.3% shooting. He ranks fourth in rebounds with 74, including 28 offensive boards, and his 81.0% free throw shooting is third among the team’s top players. From beyond the arc, he has made 13 of 43 attempts, placing him fifth in three-point makes.
Penn State Loses a Key Player from Starting Lineup
The news is especially tough for Penn State, as they have been in the midst of a challenging stretch. Having lost their last four games, most recently in a 90-85 defeat at Michigan State, the Nittany Lions will now have to move forward without one of their top contributors on both ends of the floor.
Rhoades explained that it would take a combination of younger and more experienced players to fill Johnson’s role and bring what he does to the team.
“Some of the young guys have to step up. Kachi (Nzeh) has been playing more, so we can shift him to the four spot. And, of course, Zach (Hicks) and Nick (Kern) have played that position, too,” said Rhoades. “It’s tough because of how valuable Puff is to us, but every team goes through this. It’s a next-man-up mentality. We have versatile players who know what needs to be done.”
Earlier in the season, Rhoades had emphasized the importance of having a veteran like Johnson to stabilize what has sometimes been an inconsistent rotation in the paint. Although freshman Miles Goodman’s return from a long injury recovery will provide support for Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Kachi Nzeh, Johnson’s absence will still be significant.
“He’s a high-character kid with toughness, grit, and he competes hard. He put on 15 pounds in the offseason, and that’s been huge,” Rhoades said. “He’s a ‘small ball’ five in the Big Ten, which isn’t typical, but his strength and maturity allow him to excel. I’m really proud of him.”
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