ACC Basketball: Breakout candidates from each team for 2020-21 season

ACC Basketball breakout candidate – Jalen Johnson (Duke)

Once again Coach Krzyzewski the Duke basketball program awaits next season’s commencement ready to welcome yet another squad with flooded with All-American talent. But from that group, Jalen Johnson owns the best chance to explode as Duke’s next bonafide star.

Already drawing comparisons to former Duke product turned NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, Johnson already possesses all the tools necessary to achieve the same success formerly attained by his predecessor at Duke. With exceptional speed and athleticism behind his 6’8 stature and 215-pound build, Johnson seemingly dunks over anything foolishly trying obstruct his path to the rim.

Beyond that, Johnson wields an ability to shoot with range and incredible court vision as a passer. As a complete offensive weapon, no reason exists prompting one to doubt his ability to take the conference by storm and possibly emerge as its best player.

Unfortunately for Johnson though, returning forwards Wendell Moore and Joey Baker leave Duke a bit crowded at his position, potentially delaying this emergence for a bit during the season’s early days. But even despite said circumstances, what Johnson brings to the table quite frankly overrules all else. Once seizing a starting spot, anticipate Duke to put on an absolute show with Johnson at the helm.