Duke’s highest ranked recruit from this past season is taking his talents to the NBA.
Jalen Johnson was selected 20th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson scored in double-digits in six of the 13 games he played for the Blue Devils and ended his season averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
The Wisconsin native wrestled with a foot injury during his lone year in Durham and opted out of the rest of the season Feb. 15. Mock drafts had Johnson going somewhere in the first round, and with a tool box like his it would have been a surprise to see him fall farther than he did.
His 6-foot-9 frame and uber athleticism makes him an attractive draft pick, especially in today’s NBA. The jumper has a ways to go, but the upside on Johnson is tremendous.
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Jake Piazza is a Trinity senior and was sports editor of The Chronicle's 117th volume.