NBA Comparison: RJ Hunter/Justin Jackson

Strengths: Lights-out shooter … Tall, wiry smooth forward … Consistent shooter off ball-screens and dribble pull-ups … Release is very difficult to contest … Consistently hits heavily guarded/tough shots Limitless range … Above average catch-and-shoot ability … Efficiency regarding shots/points ratio is impressive. 11.6 Field Goal Attempts a game while averaging 16.9 points per game … While averaging 5.8 3-point attempts per game, still managed to hit at a 46% clip … Shot 57% from inside the arc this season due to an improved mid-range game … Impressive while moving without the ball, works hard to cut off screens to get open … Impressive free-throw shooter, all three years as a starter he shot 80%+ from the charity stripe … Johnson averaged a career-best defensive rating this year after getting offseason hip surgery which has improved his mobility … Active defender, averaging 1.2 steals per game … Average rebounder for his size/frame … Played with NBA talent at North Carolina (Coby White, Nassir Little and meshed well … As usage rate increased through his college career, his efficiency and statistics all improved … Quick release with fluid shooting motion … Impressed playing against NBA talent such as Duke/Gonzaga (24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Duke/25 points on 6/8 shooting from deep) … Considered a high character kid …

Weaknesses: Draft age is the red flag here when it comes to sneaking into the first round. Johnson was a Redshirt Senior this season and turned 23 in early March … At best an average athlete lacking standout speed and leaping ability … Role most likely to play in the NBA is a three-and-D player and while he improved this year, still looks stiff on perimeter and could struggle against athletic wings … Despite such a long frame, Johnson has troubling contesting shots while averaging just 0.3 blocks per game … Looks hesitant going into the paint and finishing around the rim, will settle for jump shots instead … Not aggressive enough to go into the paint and get fouled as he only averaged 3 free throw attempts per game last season … Limited playmaker while averaging 2.4 assists per game and excelling off catch-and-shoot opportunities … Not a post presence, all shots taken are driving or perimeter … Can rebound, but ability is too limited to become a small-ball four … only 210 pounds at 6’9, must add weight which would create versatility in his game around the rim … There are some concerns about how his body will hold up to the rigors of physical NBA play …

Outlook: Jackson is considered anywhere between mid-second round to potentially jumping into the late first round, depending on physicals, of the 2019 NBA Draft by NBA scouts … If Johnson is able to continue progressing on the defensive end of the floor, he’ll be the quintessential three-and-D NBA player … As long as he can continue shooting 50% from the floor and 46% from beyond the arc there will likely be a spot for him on an NBA roster …

David Correll 4/3/19