Former Sun Prairie high school basketball star and Duke freshman forward Jalen Johnson has opted out of the remainder of the college basketball season and entered the NBA Draft, the program announced on Monday.
Johnson, a former five-star recruit, is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft.
“I appreciate everything about my time at Duke,” Johnson said in a statement. “Coach K, my teammates and the program have been nothing but supportive throughout this season, especially during the rehab of my foot injury. My family, Coach and I have made the decision that I should not play the remainder of this season so I can be 100 percent healthy in preparation for the NBA Draft. This was not easy but we feel it’s best for my future. I have nothing but love for the Brotherhood and 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.”
NEWS: Jalen Johnson will forgo remainder of season, enter NBA Draft pic.twitter.com/VLNP0Wgs3y
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) February 16, 2021
Johnson averaged 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds while playing 21.4 minutes per game for Duke in the 13 games.