Duke freshman Jalen Johnson and chosen in the lottery, is opting out of the rest of the season and will declare himself for the NBA draft, according to the school.
Johnson, the potential number 13 on the ESPN 100 last season, had a season of ups and downs 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 lost three games. After returning to the starting lineup, Johnson left the bench in the last three games. He has played a combined 23 minutes in the last two games, scoring just three points in eight minutes against NC State last weekend.
“I appreciate everything about my time at Duke,” Johnson said in a Duke press release on Monday night. “The coach (Mike Krzyzewski), my teammates and the program have been very supportive throughout this season, especially during the rehabilitation of my foot injury. My family, the coach and I made the decision not to play the rest of this season so that I can be 100% healthy in preparation for the NBA Draft. “
In 13 games, Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
“It was not easy, but we feel it is better for my future,” said Johnson. “I have nothing but love for the fellowship and I thank my teammates and everyone associated with the program. Duke will always have a special place in my heart and will always be a part of me.”
Johnson has not played a full season since his first year of high school. When he was a senior, he left IMG Academy without playing before preparing for nine games at Nicolet High School (Wisconsin).
“Although we are encouraged by what we are seeing in the medical field, for Jalen’s future, we believe that this decision is in his interest,” said Krzyzewski in the statement. “Ultimately, we take care of each of our players and will continue to support Jalen as he moves forward towards his goal of playing professional basketball.”
ESPN ranked Johnson in 6th place in the NBA ranking, the little striker No. 1 in the class.
Myron Medcalf contributed to this report.