Hubert Davis reveals the basis for his decision to go with Puff Johnson when Leaky Black was injured

Leaky Black was injured during UNC’s victory over NC State on Saturday, opening the door for an increased role for second-year player Puff Johnson. When Black went down after playing 14 minutes in the first half on Saturday, UNC head coach Hubert Davis turned to Johnson, and he did not disappoint.

Johnson played 29 minutes in the win, scoring 16 points on 4-for-9 shooting. He made two of his four three pointers and six of his seven three throws and added five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. When it came to deciding on how to move forward after Black was lost, Davis said that Johnson created this opportunity for himself.

“Well he made this day for himself,” Davis said when asked about Johnson after UNC’s win. “One of the things that I told the team as soon as I came into the locker room is that, like, my name is opportunity. Like you’re always gonna get a chance and an opportunity. I don’t know when it’s gonna come, where, how, in the manner of which it’s gonna come. But when, not if. When it comes the only job that you have is to be ready.

“So when I called Puff today and because of the injury to Leaky and he got extended minutes, he was ready and he stepped up. Puff played extremely well against NC State the last time. And he stepped up and made plays. Two big threes, his passes, rebounding, he has tremendous length. So I thought he did a good job contesting shots and defensively guarding NC State’s wing players. He got an opportunity tonight, he made the most of it, and I’m really excited about the game Puff had.”

Johnson stepped up in a big way for UNC

Johnson’s first year in Chapel Hill was last season. As a freshman, he played in 14 games, averaging 4.1 minutes and posting averages of 1.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.1 assists. Through 14 games this season, Johnson is playing just 9.1 minutes per game with averages of 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.

Johnson’s 16 points on Saturday marked the first time in his collegiate career that he has scored in double digits. He broke his previous career-high of eight points, which he set in UNC’s first matchup against NC State this season. Johnson’s 29 minutes for UNC against NC State also marked a career-high, breaking his previous mark of 17 minutes.

Black suffered a hyperextended right knee on Saturday. His injury is not a long term issue, but the Tar Heels could possibly be without him for a short period of time. Regardless, Johnson coming on in such a strong way is great news for UNC. The Tar Heels are gearing up for a run in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, and having quality depth on the bench will be valuable as the season goes on.