Every recruiting season, there are elite prospects linked to specific schools right when they burst onto the national scene and linger as the perceived favorite throughout the process. In some cases (Immanuel Quickley, Harry Giles, etc.) the rumors end up being correct. In others (Kevin Knox, Keion Brooks Jr., etc.), the “longtime favorite” is left at the alter in favor of another program.
For 2020 five-star forward Jalen Johnson, which category he will end up falling in remains to be seen.
Back in July of 2018, Duke received its first pick for Johnson on his Crystal Ball on 247Sports.