Kansas State has already lost redshirt freshman Jack Karapetyan to transfer this week and now the Wildcats will have to play without reserve big man D.J. Johnson, who is expected to redshirt this season.
The 6-foot-9 Johnson suffered a broken foot in Kansas State’s NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky and was still in a walking boot last week, according to Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle.
Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber told Robinett that Johnson was a “long shot” to play this season and a likely redshirt candidate. On Tuesday, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports confirmed with Weber that Johnson would likely miss the season.
Johnson was likely to see reserve minutes this season like he did last season behind starting center Thomas Gipson, but Johnson was still a productive role player and averaged 13.9 minutes a game during which he put up 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
The Wildcats still have junior college big man Stephen Hurt, Georgetown transfer Brandon Bolden and freshman Malek Harris coming off of the bench to bolster their front court, but losing Johnson will affect their rotation this season.