Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Forward Taking Prowess to Another Level

Jalen Johnson is the only Duke basketball pro averaging a double-double.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Jalen Johnson
Former Duke basketball forward Jalen Johnson / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball alum Quin Snyder and 2020-21 Blue Devil one-and-done Jalen Johnson are on a three-game winning streak with the Atlanta Hawks (17-15). They're steadily climbing the Eastern Conference standings, up to No. 6 and only 1.5 games back of the fourth-place Orlando Magic.

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And Johnson's consistent growth has him in the All-Star conversation, as the mere 23-year-old forward and former No. 20 overall draft pick is now averaging a career-high 20.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 51.2 percent from the field across his 30 outings as a full-time starter.

On Saturday, two days after fueling a 17-point comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat the Chicago Bulls in Atlanta while delivering his first career 30-point performance, the 6-foot-9, 220-pound Johnson posted 28 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in a 120-110 home win over the Miami Heat. It marked his fourth straight double-double.

Four of the 24 Duke basketball talents on an NBA contract this season have played more than 20 games and are averaging at least 20 points. The other three are Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (28.7), Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (24.6), and Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (23.7).

Plus, Jalen Johnson is the only NBA Blue Devil currently averaging double-digit boards.

In other words, the former five-star recruit from Wisconsin has emerged as one of the most durably productive Duke products in the league.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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