UNC Basketball: Hubert Davis gives Puff Johnson update

We are still a few months away from tipoff in the Hubert Davis era as head coach of the UNC Basketball program. And while we continue the countdown, there are still some questions surrounding this team.

One of those questions is the rotation off the bench including the status of sophomore forward Donovan “Puff” Johnson. The younger brother of former UNC standout Cam Johnson, Puff played in just 14 total games averaging 1.1 points, 0.5 rebounds and no assists. His season was cut short due to a toe injury and he also missed time due to COVID-19 tracing.

Going into this season, Johnson’s role is yet to be determined as it will be based on his status for the start of the year.

Davis updated the media on Johnson’s status earlier in the week saying that he’s progressing but not where he wants to be just yet via Inside Carolina: 

"“He’s getting there,” head coach Hubert Davis said on Tuesday about Johnson’s rehab process. “It’s been a little slow in terms of his recovery. But the great thing about it is we’re heading in the right direction. Puff is an off-the-chart type of kid and, unfortunately, got injured last year and didn’t get a chance to really play and develop. And we’re hoping to see that once practice starts Sept. 28.”"

The 6-foot-8, 190-pound Johnson can be an intriguing piece off the bench for Davis if he’s healthy this year. It’s expected that Brady Manek, Leaky Black, and Justin McKoy will be three of the first off the bench for Davis and Johnson can slowly work himself into that rotation.

As of now, it’s a wait and see game with the first week of practice likely telling us everything we need to know in terms of where he’s at and if we should expect to see him anytime soon leading into the start of the year.

For more on Johnson and the UNC Basketball program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.