Duke basketball legends the current Blue Devils should be for Halloween
By Matt Johnson
Halloween costume for Duke basketball forward Jalen Johnson…
JAYSON TATUM (2016-17)
Again, this is another big comparison, but it’s completely justified in my opinion as incoming freshman Jalen Johnson will be asked to be one of the go-to scoring options for the Dukies this year.
Jayson Tatum arrived in Durham with a bevy of other one-and-done talents. Yet over time, Tatum separated himself as the most versatile and consistent wing scorer Duke had seen in years. He continues that as a young All-Star for the Boston Celtics, almost leading them to the NBA Finals this year.
Tatum finished his time at Duke with a solid all-around stat line of 16.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals a game, but what really stuck out come tournament time was his ability to score from anywhere.
Whether it be from deep, mid-range, or putting the ball on the court and finishing over people — RIP, Kennedy Meeks — Tatum was an absolute terror. And Jalen Johnson needs to become that terror.
Coach K probably will let Johnson play positionless basketball, which should fit his game nicely. You could even throw in an RJ Barrett comparison here, as the ball will be in Johnson’s hands early and often to make the Duke offense run…