Heading into the 2022-23 season, rising junior Donovan “Puff” Johnson is considered a breakout player for the UNC basketball program.
There’s a lot of hype around the UNC basketball program, as they just got to the national championship game just a few months ago.
Heading into the new season, the Tar Heels are aiming for redemption as most of the team’s top contributors return to the mix. One of those returning players is rising junior Donovan “Puff” Johnson, who could be in line for a breakout season.
College Hoops Today’s Jon Rothstein named his top 20 players for the 2022-23 season. Johnson made the list because his impressive play in the NCAA Tournament has Rothstein believing he’s ready to take on an even bigger role for the Tar Heels.
Puff Johnson, NC: America got a taste of what Johnson was capable of in last season’s national title game when he had 11 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes against Kansas. The 6-8 striker is brimming with potential and should allow Hubert Davis to expand his bench. Johnson has the knack of being a key third play in North Carolina’s frontcourt alongside Armando Bacot and Northwestern transfer Pete Nance.
Johnson is an important part of this year’s roster as he will likely be used in a variety of roles off the bench. While he likely won’t be among the starters, expect to see plenty of Puff Johnson on the court for UNC’s basketball program this season.
The Tar Heels are scheduled to begin the 2022-23 season on Nov. 7 as they host UNCW at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of UNC basketball news, updates and recruiting.