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UNC Basketball: Puff Johnson Out Versus UNCW

By Aaron Conrad

Mar 25, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Puff Johnson (14) shoots against the UCLA Bruins in the first half in the semifinals of the East regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Puff Johnson (14) shoots against the UCLA Bruins in the first half in the semifinals of the East regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Junior UNC Basketball forward Puff Johnson has been ruled out in season opener versus UNC Wilmington. 

Tonight is the opening night for college basketball and the UNC Basketball team will be without one of the top returning players for the 2022-2023 season. Puff Johnson has been ruled out tonight for the Tar Heels season opener. Johnson did now warm up with the team.

There might not be a more interesting player on the UNC Basketball roster than Puff Johnson. The junior guard enters a season looking for more playing time and a bigger role with the team. The journey has been interesting since joining the team. Fair or unfair, many fans likely expected Puff to step in and play just like his older brother and former Tar Heel Cameron Johnson.

Johnson’s freshman campaign was interrupted on a few occasions with Covid protocols and a sprained toe that kept him out of the final 15 games of the season.

Entering the 2021-2022 season, the belief was the Puff would take that next step forward and be healthy to contribute. His three-point shooting would be welcomed by new coach Hubert Davis. Unfortunately, Johnson missed the first15 games due to a hip flexor and sprained right ankle. Once he returned, there was a ramp up and the “Iron Five” had already been taking a majority of the minutes. Not getting extended playing time kept Johnson from taking that next big step forward.

Then the 2022 NCAA tournament happened.

When the Tar Heels needed a spark in their unbelievable tournament run, it was Johnson that stepped up and delivered on both ends of the floor. His length, rebounding, and hustle gave the starters a few minutes here or there. His three-point shooting spread the floor. Who can forget that he played so hard in the championship game that he became physically ill on the court.

Based on what we saw in the tournament, the belief is that Johnson will give his all when given minutes.

Ultimately, he just needs health and minutes. Hopefully he can return to health as the early season progresses.

Next. UNC Basketball: RJ Davis Opening Night Status Determined. dark

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