PITTSBURGH – Transfer commits and new players entering the portal ran rampant over the past 24 hours. Puff Johnson, RJ Luis, Notre Dame, Boston College, and Florida State were all in the headlines regarding player movement surrounding the ACC.
Former UNC Guard Puff Johnson Visited Butler Wednesday
Moon Township native and former North Carolina guard Puff Johnson visited Butler on Wednesday, according to Joe Tipton of On3. Since placing his name in the portal, Johnson has heard from numerous programs, including Pitt. The 6-foot-8 junior concluded his third season at UNC by averaging 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 27 games (two starts).
The brother of Brooklyn Nets and former Tar Heels guard Cam Johnson, Puff scored 200 career points and a career-best 110 during the past year. UNC missed the NCAA Tournament after being ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll preseason rankings. Butler closed on a three-game losing streak, 14-18 overall, and 6-14 in the Big East. Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining.
UMass transfer RJ Luis Visited Louisville Wednesday
RJ Lewis could soon become a main source of production for the ACC’s last-place team. Lewis visited the Louisville Cardinals on Wednesday, CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein reported on Tuesday. The 6-foot-7 UMass freshman started 10 of 27 games during his freshman campaign. Lewis averaged 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in close to 23 minutes per appearance and shot 45.5% overall.
He can shoot the three well (35%) and cash in at the free-throw line (79%) while being a defensive threat to take the ball away (31 steals). Louisville closed the season 4-28 overall and 2-18 in conference competition.
Northwestern’s Julian Roper II Commits to Notre Dame
Notre Dame gained a commitment on Tuesday. Former Northwestern guard Julian Roper II is not moving too far, joining Micah Shrewsberry and the Fighting Irish for the 2023-24 season. A 6-foot-3 sophomore, Roper II played 15 games off the bench for the Wildcats and scored 4.4 points in over 21 minutes.
Roper II started 15 of the 29 games he played as a freshman, totaling 116 points, 25 steals, and 14 blocks. He scored a season-best 12 points on four field goals against UIC early in the year and shot 42% overall from the field. Mike Brey and Notre Dame parted ways after 23 seasons, leading Shrewsberry to leave Penn State. The Fighting Irish finished 3-17 in ACC play, second to last in the conference.
Boston College Guard Jonathan Noel Enters Transfer Portal
Boston College senior guard Jonathan Noel has entered the transfer portal according to Verbal Commits. The 6-foot-3 Everett, Mass. native played nine career games in four seasons and made his first collegiate basket on his first attempt to close his time with the Eagles. Noel drained a triple in the ACC Tournament against Louisville, to the delight of the Boston College bench. He has one year of eligibility left.
Florida State Forward Naheem McLeod to Transfer Portal
Sophomore Naheem McLeod has entered the transfer portal, according to 24/7 High School Hoops. The 7-foot-4 Florida State center averaged 3.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in over 11 minutes per game. He spent two seasons with the Seminoles and started 16 of the 46 games he appeared in, including 11 this year.
A Philadelphia native, McCleod shot close to 55% from the floor after making 34-of-50 (68%) shots as a freshman. Florida State concluded 2022-23 near the bottom of the pack in ACC play and 9-23 overall.
