Comparing Duke basketball freshman class to Michigan’s Fab Five

SMALL FORWARD: Duke basketball’s Jalen Johnson vs. Michigan’s Ray Jackson

Ray Jackson was a star for his Lyndon B Johnson High School squad. Jackson was the 84th-ranked recruit in the country, by far the lowest-ranked of Michigan’s brilliant fivesome. The 6-foot-6 small forward started only 15 games during his freshman year in Ann Arbor, averaging just over 15 minutes per game and scoring only 4.6 points per game.

The prize of the Duke basketball recruiting class is 6-foot-8 shooting forward, and 13th-ranked player in his class, Jalen Johnson. As a junior, Johnson was honored with both the Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year and the Wisconsin AP Player of the Year awards after leading Nicolet High School to its first state title. During his senior season (after transferring back from IMG Academy), Johnson averaged a double-double, scoring 24.6 points and grabbing 10.9 rebounds per contest.

Johnson has great handles and likes to attack the basket. He has great size and athleticism and can finish around the basket through contact. He is an adept passer and rebounds well. He is a projected lottery pick when he (more than likely) leaves after just one year in Durham.

EDGE: Duke’s Jalen Johnson