Duke’s Jalen Johnson will travel to VT, unclear if he’ll play

While on the weekly ACC teleconference, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski announced that forward Jalen Johnson will travel with the team for Tuesday’s matchup at Virginia Tech (Jan 12). However, Coach K was still unsure if Johnson will play in the game.

After suffering a toe injury, Johnson hasn’t seen game action in over a month; his last appearance came back on Dec. 8, a loss to Illinois. The before Duke’s road win over Notre Dame (Dec. 16), the program declared Johnson out indefinitely.

During the first four games of the season, Johnson has averaged 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest. Johnson is a versatile offensive piece — with some team defense, two-way potential. Johnson has spent time at both the 3 and 4 this season, with Duke toggling Matthew Hurt as the de facto 4 and 5.

In Johnson’s absence, though, Duke has been three straight game — all over ACC competition: Notre Dame, Boston College and Wake Forest. Virginia Tech will be a step up in term of competition.

 

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