Rising 2020 star Johnson breaks down local schools
MEQUON, Wisc. – Jalen Johnson's college recruitment is already underway, and things are due to only escalate from here. Johnson, a 6-foot-7 prospect in the 2020 class, is tracking as one of the top prospects nationally.
Following his time in Philadelphia at the Under Armour All-American Camp, Johnson worked his way back toward his Midwest locale where he helped his Wisconsin Playground Warriors team win the 15-under platinum bracket at the NY2LA Summer Jam.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Displaying a developed body and skillset, Johnson has seen his recruitment hit the high-major level.
“It means a lot to me that these schools are coming in and it is really just a blessing. I appreciate them looking at me this early and just putting trust in me,” he said. “Marquette and Wisconsin have each offered.”
Born and raised in Madison, Wisc., Johnson discussed his initial feelings upon receiving the offer from the Badgers.
“It was kind of surreal," he said. 'It didn’t quite register right away. I didn’t know what to say at first. It is right next door, like 20 minutes away. It is a beautiful campus. I am always down there. I love everything about it.”
Marquette came in with an offer a few weeks later; head coach Steve Wojciechowski watched Johnson twice to end the second live periods.
“It means a lot, too, to have the offer," Johnson said. "It is an in-state school that develops great pros like Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade, all of them, and I just feel like that they want me to be their next pro.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Johnson will finish out his sophomore summer with the Wisconsin Playground Warriors 15-under unit this month. A potential trip to Duke is on the horizon as Johnson will visit Durham on August 11.
RIVALS’ REACTION
Johnson has all of the makings of a five-star prospect and quite possibly a top-10 recruit in his 2020 class. Wisconsin and Marquette will continue to clash heads in pursuing him, though he does showcase the type of potential that could bring several bluebloods into the mix.
