Duke freshman and scheduled lottery pick Jalen Johnson is looking back for the remainder of the season and will report for the NBA draw, according to the school.
Johnson, the No. 13 prospect in the ESPN 100 last season, has had an up-and-down season with the Blue Devils. He opened his career with 19 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists against Coppin State, but suffered a foot injury a few weeks later and missed three games. After returning to the starting line-up, Johnson has come off the bench for the past three games. He played 23 minutes in the past two games combined, scoring just three points in eight minutes against NC State last weekend.
“I appreciate all of my time at Duke,” Johnson said in a Duke press release Monday night. Coach (Mike Krzyzewski), my teammates and the program were only supportive throughout the season, especially during rehabilitation from my foot injury. My family, coach and I made the decision not to play for the rest of this season. I can be 100 percent healthy in preparation for the NBA Draft. “
In 13 games, Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
“This was not easy, but we think it is the best for my future,” said Johnson. “I have nothing but love for the brotherhood and thank my teammates and everyone involved in the program. Duke will always have a special place in my heart and always be a part of me.”
Johnson hasn’t played a full season since his junior year in high school. As a senior, he left IMG Academy without playing a game before qualifying for nine games at Nicolet High School (Wisconsin).
“While we are encouraged by what we see medically for Jalen’s future, we believe this decision is in his best interest,” Krzyzewski said in the press release. “We are ultimately careful with all of our players and will continue to support Jalen as he progresses towards his goal of playing professional basketball.”
ESPN has ranked Johnson at No. 6 in its NBA draft rankings, the No. 1 minor attacker in its class.
Myron Medcalf contributed to this report.