Pittsburgh redshirt sophomore forward Durand Johnson will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn meniscus suffered in his right knee during Saturday’s game against Wake Forest.
Johnson will undergo knee surgery sometime within the next week at UPMC South Side Hospital. The surgery will repair the injuries in his right knee and will be performed by Assistant Team Physician Dr. Robin West M.D. and Steve Rabuck M.D. He will have a lengthy 9-12 month rehabilitation process.
“We are thoroughly heartbroken for Durand,” Pitt Head Coach Jamie Dixon said. “With his passion for the game and outstanding work ethic, Durand has contributed significantly to our success. He has made so much improvement in all facets of his game this year. I expect that same passion and work ethic to help Durand return at 100 percent next season.”
In 16 games played off the bench this season, Johnson ranks fourth on the squad in scoring (8.8 ppg.) and second in 3-pointers made (22). While averaging 19.8 minutes per game, Johnson grabbed 3.0 rebounds per game, converted 33.8 percent (22-65) of his 3-point attempts, hit 85.3 percent (29-34) of his free throw attempts, dished out 23 assists and finished with 14 steals. He reached double figure scoring in eight games and hit at least one 3-pointer in 10 contests.
Pitt (15-1, 3-0 ACC) gets back into action on Tuesday evening at Georgia Tech (10-6, 1-2 ACC). Tipoff for Tuesday’s game is set for 9 p.m. on ESPNU.
