5 Takeaways From Jalen Johnson’s Return

<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After leaving for IMG Academy last summer, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-johnson/">Jalen Johnson</a></a> made a surprise return to Nicolet this week, joining forces with his brother, Kobe. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">So, after reclaiming one of the best hoopers in Wisconsin history, here are five takeaways to digest over the coming weeks. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">1. Nicolet is now the favorite for the Gold Ball in division two.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Nicolet is now equal in talent level to last year's squad, which ended up claiming a State title. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-johnson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-johnson/">Jalen Johnson</a></a> is back, Kobe Johnson is a better player all-around, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/james-graham/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/james-graham/">James Graham</a></a> has sprouted into a star. They still have a tough road, as they'll likely play La Crosse Central or Onalaska in State. However, with a five star at the helm and a supporting cast of potential high-major juniors, it’s hard not to give them the nod as of now.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">2. Jalen revamps Nicolet’s offensive system</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At the risk of sounding painfully obvious, allow me to expand on this thought. Of course, he changes the offense, but it’s the way he does it that’s vital to Nicolet’s future. He commands a constant double- or triple-team from defenses, and if he starts driving downhill, he’ll likely see five crashing defenders each trying to swipe at the ball or hack at his arms. Ultimately, it benefits the off-ball action from Nicolet’s supporting cast. Guys like Kobe Johnson and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/donovan-sparks/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/donovan-sparks/">Donovan Sparks</a></a> can rack up easy buckets around the rim, while <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/james-graham/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/james-graham/">James Graham</a></a> can continue flashing his catch-and-shoot jumper. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">3. Kobe Johnson has a bigger role</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">This may seem a tad ironic, as some weight should be lifted off Kobe’s shoulders with his brother now attracting the attention. However, the addition of Jalen makes Nicolet much more of a frontcourt-oriented team. Establishing a dynamic between guards and forwards is now paramount, meaning Kobe (Nicolet's best guard) will need to improve on his already stellar passing game and perimeter scoring ability so they don't become one-dimensional. With this adjustment, Nicolet will surely live up to the tremendous hype they’ve taken on with Jalen’s return.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4. Jalen puts Nicolet back on the national map</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">At the end of last season, Nicolet was atop national rankings under Johnson and Jamari Sibley. They took a fall with Johnson’s transfer, but his return means they should jump back up to the top. They’ve only played one game against a team outside of Wisconsin, but a successful State-run could be the push they need to return to that national spotlight. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">5. Jalen can continue to improve his game</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Again, this is an obvious claim, but one that’s worth a mention. Johnson is Duke-bound and likely an NBA draft pick in a few years, but as the focal point of a team, he will be able to transition into college more apt to take over the roster. He will need to give his jumper some tweaks as well as his free throw shooting, but overall the improvements he makes in the coming months will be crucial to his development as a leader, which is something he couldn’t have received had he stayed at IMG. </span></p>