Pitt's Durand Johnson Out For Season After Injury

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- After a big 14-1 start to Pitt's season, the Panthers suffered a huge loss as redshirt sophomore forward Durand Johnson will miss the rest of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn meniscus in his right knee after Saturday's win against Wake Forest.

Pitt officials say Johnson is set to have knee surgery next week at UPMC South Side, which will be followed by at least nine months of rehab -- possibly as long as a year.

Pitt's head coach Jamie Dixon was devastated about the injury.

"We are thoroughly heartbroken for Durand," he said in a statement. "With his passion for the game and outstanding work ethic, Durand has contributed significantly to our success. He has made 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."

Before the injury, Johnson ranked fourth on the team in scoring with 8.8 points per game and second in 3-pointers made with 22 while averaging almost 20 minutes per game.

Pitt (15-1, 3-0 ACC) takes their five-game winning streak to Georgia Tech this Tuesday as the Panthers take on the Yellow Jackets at 9 p.m.

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