Penn State Adds Basketball Transfer From North Carolina

Puff Johnson chooses the Lions after spending three seasons with the Tar Heels.

Penn State pulled in its fourth player from the NCAA Transfer Portal as Puff Johnson, a forward/guard from North Carolina, committed to the Lions. Johnson announced his decision Wednesday on social media.

A Pittsburgh native, Johnson spent three years with the Tar Heels, playing in 65 career games, including the 2022 NCAA championship game. Injuries stunted the early part of his career. He missed the last 15 games of his freshman season in 2020-21 and the first 15 games of the following season with several injuries. Johnson played in 27 games this past season, starting two. He entered the portal in late March and arrives at Penn State with two seasons of eligibility. Penn State coach Mike Rhoades announced Johnson's signing Thursday.

Let’s Rock #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Af2bpiMfEv

— Puff Johnson (@PuffJohnson14) April 26, 2023

"I’m excited with the commitment of Puff as a player, person and a native of Pennsylvania," Rhoades said in a statement. "He starts the connection of keeping PA players home. Puff’s versatility, toughness and confidence will make us better from day one."

Johnson averaged 16 minutes per game at North Carolina last season, contributing 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. He played some of his best basketball for the Tar Heels during their run to the 2022 NCAA Tournament title game. Johnson scored 11 points, including seven straight in the second half, and grabbed six rebounds in the championship game vs. Kansas.

Johnson played at Moon Area High near Pittsburgh before finishing his high school career Hillcrest Prep, a national program in Arizona. Johnson scored 1,960 career points in high school and averaged 22 points per game at Moon. Older brother Cam Johnson, an All-ACC player at North Carolina, currently is on the Brooklyn Nets roster.

Johnson is the fourth player to transfer into Penn State this offseason. The Lions also have welcomed Temple forward Zach Hicks and two players from VCU: Ace Baldwin, Jr. and Nick Kern, Jr. Both played for Mike Rhoades, whom Penn State introduced as its new coach in late March.

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