Penn-Johnson Transfers from UW to the School That Made Shaq Famous

Little-used big man leaves Huskies after appearing in just 11 games over two seasons. It didn't matter that he finally would have been needed.

Bryan Penn-Johnson didn't have any trouble finding a new basketball home.

The 7-foot former University of Washington center announced late Saturday night he will transfer to LSU.

"I would like to thank all of the coaching staffs that have reached out and recruited me during this difficult process," Penn-Johnson tweeted. "After discussing with my family and loved ones, I have I decided that I will be transferring to LSU. #GeauxTigers."

The big man from Long Beach, California, played very little for the Huskies over two seasons, no doubt a major factor for him changing schools. For a player his size, he seemed neglected in Seattle.

It mattered little that coach Mike Hopkins needed big men this coming season with the early departures of freshmen Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels to the NBA and graduation of Sam Timmins.

"I'll tell you what, he can play," Hopkins said of the player the team called BPJ.

Yet at the same time, the UW coach did nothing with minutes to keep him properly inspired. He played Penn-Johnson in just six games this season, 11 over his brief career. 

While Penn-Johnson has a 7-foot-7 wingspan and moves well, he didn't have great hands, often fumbling passes sent his way. He wasn't a great shooter from around the key either. But you can't argue with size. 

So the ex-Husky center now will head to the college program that made Pete Maravich and Shaquille O'Neal famous. 

Penn-Johnson apparently has told others he will seek an NCAA waiver in hopes of playing immediately rather than sit out yet another season.