SAMSON JOHNSON NEWS

Dan Hurley is sad, frustrated and 'f---ing drained' after UConn's loss to Florida

Dan Hurley held back tears at the podium and in a postgame interview while going on an expletive-laden rant following UConn's loss to Florid...

MARCH 23 • FOX SPORTS

After a challenging season, UConn is hoping to make a run at a third straight national title

UConn struggled at times after losing four starters from the national championship team

MARCH 18 • Associated Press

UConn uses late run to beat Villanova 73-56 in Big East Conference Tournament quarterfinal

Alex Karaban scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half to help Connecticut rally for a 73-56 victory over Villanova in a Big East Conference Tournament quarterfinal at Madison...

MARCH 14 • Associated Press

Ball scores 17 as UConn downs Seton Hall 81-50 to wrap up the regular season

Led by Solomon Ball's 17 points, the UConn Huskies defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 81-50 on Saturday

MARCH 8 • Associated Press

Tarris Reed Jr.'s untapped potential could fuel UConn's quest for a three-peat

Tarris Reed Jr. has shown to be both immensely talented and wildly inconsistent in his first season at UConn. Michael Cohen explains how Ree...

MARCH 7 • FOX SPORTS

Double-double performance in win Johnson accumulated 10 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 72-66 victory over Marquette.

Impact Johnson was a major proponent of the Huskies' big win over Marquette, leading his team in rebounds and finishing out with a double-double. The senior big man hasn't been a huge scorer so far this year, but now is the time for him to put it together as UConn looks to solidify their spot in the tournament. He should continue to stay involved against Seton Hall this Saturday.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

UConn completes season-series sweep of No. 20 Marquette with 72-66 win

UConn secures season-series sweep over No. 20 Marquette after 72-66 victory on Wednesday night

MARCH 6 • FOX SPORTS

Five blocks in loss Johnson closed with 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, one assist and five blocks across 31 minutes during Saturday's 76-72 loss to Xavier.

Impact While not typically a big offensive producer, Johnson set a season high with 14 points last Tuesday against Butler and followed it up with another double-digit scoring effort Saturday. He's also recorded a combined nine rejections over the last two contests, bringing his season-long average up to 1.7 bpg.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Six points in return Johnson had six points (3-3 FG), three rebounds, one assist and one block in 16 minutes during Saturday's 78-74 win over Butler.

Impact Johnson made his return to the court after missing the Huskies' previous game against Xavier with a concussion. The starting center didn't put out any crazy numbers in the close win over the Bulldogs, but he did hover around his average of 16.9 minutes per game heading into the matchup. This bodes well for his health moving forward, especially as UConn plays DePaul on Wednesday.

DECEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Back in starting five Johnson (concussion) will start for the Huskies on Saturday, marking his return to the court, Joe Arruda of the Hartford Courant reports.

Impact Johnson missed the Huskies' last game against Xavier, which paved the way for Tarris Reed to get the start. The latter will be sent back to the bench, however, as Johnson will play and return to the first five. He averages 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

DECEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to practice, remains TBD Johnson (concussion) has been cleared to practice but his status for Saturday against Butler remains in question, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports.

Impact Johnson sat out UConn's game against Xavier on Wednesday, missing his first contest of the season. It's obviously good news that the center is able to practice again, but if he can't go Saturday versus Butler, expect Tarris Reed - who logged 20 points and 13 rebounds in Johnson's stead - to start once again.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play vs. Xavier Johnson (concussion) is out for Wednesday's game against Xavier, Joe Arruda of the Hartford Courant reports.

Impact Johnson suffered a concussion in the win over Gonzaga on Saturday, so it's not surprising to see him ruled out of this one. Expect Tarris Reed to take his place at center while Johnson is sidelined. The senior's next chance to play will come against Butler on Saturday.

DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers concussion Saturday Johnson suffered a concussion during UConn's win over Gonzaga on Saturday, per David Borges of the Connecticut Insider.

Impact Johnson is now in the concussion protocol and will have to clear it in order to be eligible to play again. If he can't clear the protocol ahead of Wednesday's matchup versus Xavier, Tarris Reed will start at center in his place.

DECEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Season-high 13 points in close win Johnson ended with 13 points (4-4 FG, 5-6 FT), four rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 22 minutes before fouling out of Wednesday's 76-72 win over Baylor.

Impact Johnson logged a season-high 13 points in the Huskies' close win over the Bears, popping out his second game of the season with double-digit points. The senior center had a modest start with the team, but he's heightened output as of late. His averages now on the year are 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Modest start in new role Johnson is averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds across 18.0 minutes through four games to start the 2024-25 season for UConn.

Impact Johnson had some big shoes to fill following the departure of NBA lottery pick Donovan Clingan, and while he's managed to earn a starting role, he's conceded a significant amount of playing time to Michigan transfer Tarris Reed (11.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg). While Johnson is stronger defensively, as shown by his 3.0 bpg average, Reed is out-performing him in most other categories, which will limit Johnson's ceiling from a fantasy perspective.

NOVEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Gets start at center Johnson started Monday's exhibition game against Rhode Island and had eight points (4-5 FG), four blocks, two assists and one rebound.

Impact It's expected to be a battle between Johnson and Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr. for the starting center spot this season. While Johnson got the start and played two more minutes, Reed was much more effective on the glass grabbing 10 rebounds. That said, Johnson's interior defense and experience in the system does seem to give him the edge for coach Dan Hurley at the moment. UConn opens the season Nov. 6 against Sacred Heart.

OCTOBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Putting UConn's dominant run into perspective: 'They are the best team I've ever seen'

UConn has put together a dominant run in this year's NCAA Tournament. John Fanta reached out to several coaches and media members for their...

APRIL 3, 2024 • FOX SPORTS