Johnny Juzang is a five-star prospect set to make a decision soon. Which NCAA Basketball teams are his best fits considering the pros and cons?
There are a few five-star recruits left in the NCAA Basketball recruiting class of 2019. One of them is Johnny Juzang, a 6-6 wing who recently reclassified from the 2020 class to the current one. A tremendous shooter, he could play the 2/3 positions on the court and can guard multiple spots on the defensive end.
His overall recruitment has been rather quick, identifying four teams as options to join for next season. There’s a real good chance that he’ll be a one and done and should make a real impact. And considering that all four programs involved (Kansas, Kentucky, Oregon and Virginia) have recently made the Sweet 16, Juzang will be joining a contender.
But which are the best fits for him? Here’s a look at the pros and cons at each potential option for the five-star guard.
Kentucky Wildcats
Pros
Already viewed as a preseason top-10 team for 2019-20, Juzang would be joining a surefire national title contender. And if his shooting is as good as advertised, there would be clear minutes available for Juzang as the replacement for outgoing sharpshooter Tyler Herro. Even with Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey handling the ball handling duties, the 6-6 wing can still get some offense of his own in, either on or off the ball. Kentucky is viewed as the frontrunners for Juzang and provides him the opportunities and exposure other programs can’t do.
Cons
Juzang isn’t the only 6-6 wing/forward joining the Wildcats this offseason. In fact, he’s the fourth, with Khalil Whitney, Dontaie Allen and Keon Brooks already on board. Some are better suited as actual small forwards and Whitney himself could play some at the four-spot.
While the is a clear path for playing time for Juzang, that can easily close up depending on how the other incoming freshmen perform. Maxey, Whitney, and Brooks are all five-star prospects in their own rights and each could establish themselves as 30+ mpg players early on. And if Juzang’s shooting struggles out the gate, he could end up buried on the bench without a true chance to develop. That’s happened to a number of Kentucky players in the past and based on the roster, will happen again.