Jalen Johnson, a freshman and lottery winner, is giving up the rest of the season and will testify for the NBA draft, according to the school.
Johnson, perspective no. 13 in the ESPN 100 last season, had a top-down season with the Blue Devils. He started his career with 19 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists against Coppin State, but suffered a leg injury a few weeks later and missed three games. After returning to the starting lineup, Johnson left the bench in the last three games. He played 23 combined minutes in the last two games, scoring just three points in eight minutes against NC State last weekend.
“I appreciate everything about Duke’s time,” Johnson said in a Duke press release Monday night. “The coach (Mike Krzyzewski), my teammates and the program have been nothing but support throughout this season, especially during the rehabilitation of my leg injury. My family, the coach and I decided that I should not play the rest of this season, so 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.
“This has not been easy, but we believe it is best for my future,” Johnson said. “I have nothing but love for the brotherhood and I thank my teammates and all those 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. As a senior, he left IMG Academy without playing a game before participating in nine games at Nicolet High School (Wisconsin).
“Although we are encouraged by what we see medically for Jalen’s future, we believe this decision is in his best interests,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “We are finally paying close attention to each of our players and will continue to support Jalen as he progresses towards his goal of playing professional basketball.”
ESPN ranked Johnson 6th in its NBA draft rankings, the lowest striker no.
Myron Medcalf contributed to this report.