Duke freshman forward Jalen Johnson opts out of remainder of college basketball season, enters NBA Draft

Johnson was the team's second-leading scorer and rebounder, leaving Duke with a huge hole in its front court.

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, ranked as the highest-rated prospect in Duke's 2020 signing class. A 6-foot-8 forward who showcased guard skills as a ball-handler and passer at the prep level and in bursts at the college level, he leaves the program as a likely first-round draft selection.

"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