The Pitt Panthers could look to provide a homecoming for a familiar name
The 2022 season for the Pittsburgh Panthers was a success in large part due to their ability to work the transfer portal. This included providing a homecoming for guard Nelly Cummings to come in and be the floor general that Pitt desperately needed to take that next step. The Panthers again will work the transfer portal having three scholarship spots and a familiar name is getting some attention. Former North Carolina forward Puff Johnson entered the transfer portal last week and according to CBS Sports Jon Rothstein, Pitt is on the list of schools to contact the former Moon Township native.
North Carolina transfer Puff Johnson tells me that he’s receiving interest from the following programs:
Kentucky
Indiana
Arizona State
TCU
West Virginia
Pitt
Oklahoma
LSU
Butler
Seton Hall
Tulane
Colorado State
Grand Canyon
UC Santa Barbara
Duquesne— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 26, 2023
Puff Johnson is the younger brother of former Pitt forward Cameron Johnson who transferred to UNC after three seasons with the program. Puff Johnson has averaged Johnson averaged 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 27 games (two starts) spanning an average of 16 minutes per game. After being unable to crack consistent playing time, Johnson decided for a fresh start and the former top 100 player has some strong suitors. Kentucky, Indiana, Arizona State, TCU, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and LSU are some of the other power five programs that Pitt will try to beat out to land the high-upside prospect.
The Panthers will have plenty of opportunity for any incoming transfer to make an immediate impact. With Jamarius Burton, Nelly Cummings, and Greg Elliot exhausting their college basketball eligibility, that is three starting positions that could see new faces for 2023. So if Johnson is looking for an increased role on a team fresh of a round of 32 appearance in the NCAA tournament, a homecoming might be a possibility.