Busting Brackets
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Notre Dame Basketball: Analyzing top 2020 recruiting targets

By Lukas Harkins

SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 28: Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans cheer as the team takes the floor before the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Purcell Pavilion on January 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - JANUARY 28: Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans cheer as the team takes the floor before the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Purcell Pavilion on January 28, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 13: Coach Brey of ND looks on (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 13: Coach Brey of ND looks on (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Puff Johnson – Phoenix, AZ

SF | 6-foot-7 | 185 lbs | No. 48 overall

Puff Johnson is a top-50 player in the class and has been heavily recruited by some of the top programs in the nation. He shoots the ball exceptionally well from beyond the arc while boasting great size for a wing. As a result of his athleticism and 6-foot-7 frame, there is also plenty of potential for him to emerge as an elite-level defender with the right development. Johnson is a crafty lefty who should be an impactful starter on both ends of the floor at the college level.

While playing on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer, Johnson posted strong numbers across 12 contests. Even though he struggled from beyond the arc (31.9 3P%), the stud wing managed to average 15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game. He should continue to grow over the next year and belongs as one of the most highly sought-after players in the class.

Even though Notre Dame was included in Puff Johnson’s final seven, though, this will be a very difficult recruiting battle to win. This is due to the fact that both Arizona and North Carolina already have strong personal ties to the prospect. Puff’s brother, Cam, recently finished up his college career at UNC and is now playing for the Phoenix Suns. That shows the connection between Puff and the Tar Heels.

Additionally, Puff Johnson elected to finish his high school career at Hillcrest Prep in Arizona to stay near his brother. This could give the Wildcats, an already elite recruiting program, an advantage. Notre Dame definitely still has a shot at landing this commitment but they have some ground to make up.

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