The three standout performers from Duke basketball team scrimmages
By Matt Giles
Stars of the Duke basketball scrimmages: Jalen Johnson
Just as most expected, it looks as if Jalen Johnson has brought his enforcer personality to Durham for what will likely be his only season in college before turning pro. According to reports from the program’s sports info team, between all the Blue-White scrimmage sessions, the 6-foot-9, 220-pound versatile athlete led all Blue Devils with 42 points.
Sure, Johnson’s combined 18-for-36 clip from the field isn’t quite eye-popping, indicating some room for improvement in his outside shot. That said, he regularly displays a penchant for pulling off picturesque finishes, both on fastbreaks and after exploding past his man in a halfcourt setting.
Needless to say, that’s something this Duke squad won’t want to often be without on the court.
Plus, in one 12-minute game on the first night of scrimmages, Johnson exhibited his prowess as a passer, dishing three assists without a turnover while guiding a 33-31 win by White. And across the second night of scrimmages, the Preseason All-ACC First Team selection grabbed nine boards to go along with 25 points and three dimes, hinting at triple-double flirts to come this season.