Duke's Fourth of July celebration included some extra fireworks, as five-star forward Jalen Johnson committed to the Blue Devils on Thursday. He gives Duke a highly-skilled frontcourt prospect that can fill a variety of roles.
Johnson discussed what stood out about the Duke program with Rivals.com.
"I like how (Mike Krzyzewski) utilizes his players and gives them the chance to do what's best for them and lets them play their game really,” he said.
2020 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2021 Rankings: Rivals150
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Another tremendous win on the recruiting trail for Coach K, Johnson sits as the top-rated power forward in his class nationally. The five-star forward selected Duke over Kansas, Kentucky and Wisconsin, although the Blue Devils had been the favorite for months now.
He is an advanced playmaker and has been one of the Nike EYBL's top producers this offseason. The face of the Phenom University program, he has averaged 17 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.
Johnson will be one of the most skilled forwards that the program has enrolled in recent years. He could be used in a similar role as that of Jabari Parker at Duke. He will be relied upon for his playmaking acumen and ability to slide up or down a position depending on the lineup.
Duke’s second member in the 2020 class will be joined by five-star point guard Jeremy Roach this fall. The Blue Devils are far from done as they continue to pursue others highly touted prospects including BJ Boston and Mark Williams.
