USC’S Johnson is entering portal, will test NBA draft

It was always Kobe Johnson’s goal, after his junior season, to test the NBA draft waters. So when he announced on social media Friday an intention to enter the draft, it was hardly a surprise, ending a three-year career of rapid growth at USC.

The much larger surprise, however: Johnson also announced he was entering into the NCAA transfer portal.

“I can’t even express my gratitude for the incredible journey I’ve had here,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “I would like to say a sincere thank you to the coaches, my teammates, and the fans for showing unwavering support throughout my time here at USC.”

It’s a massive loss for the program, as Johnson has been a major contributor for two seasons, working his way to captain status as a junior. With a goal to deepen his offense repertoire this past season, he struggled at times with his shot in an up-and-down USC season, averaging 10.9 points a game on 40.4% shooting and 31.3% from three and briefly losing his starting job in February.

But Johnson’s frame — 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds with a lanky wingspan — and defensive intangibles are Nba-ready and helped make him a two-time Pac12 All-defensive Team selection.

His draft stock is unclear, in a 2024 class that’s not top-heavy but deep. One NBA scout, who’s been to multiple USC games this season, told the Southern California News Group a month ago that Johnson “has intangibles that can help a team win.”

Ducks rookie Dostal shuts out Chicago

Rookie Lukas Dostal made 29 saves for his first NHL shutout, Alex Killorn had his second twogoal game of the season and the Ducks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0 late on Thursday night to snap a seven-game losing streak.

Dostal became the third rookie goalie in franchise history to record a shutout, joining John Gibson (six) and Ilya Bryzgalov (one).

Frank Vatrano got his 30th goal of the season at 10:31 of the third period when the Ducks had a two-man advantage. He is the second undrafted player in franchise history to reach the 30-goal mark — joining Andy Mcdonald, who scored 34 in 2005-06.

Brett Leason had a goal and an assist for the Ducks, who had been outscored 35-7 during their skid.

Arvid Soderblom made 21 saves for Chicago, which has dropped three of its last four.

Ducks rookie Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, did not return after being involved in a kneeon-knee collision with Chicago defenseman Alex Vlasic during the second period. Carlsson has already missed 20 games due to an MCL sprain and concussion. to what they called “systemic injustice.”