Johnny Juzang picks Kentucky: Highlights and Scouting Report

With the spring signing period ending next week, the Kentucky Wildcats are putting on the finishing touches of another top-ranked recruiting class.

On Friday, four-star wing Johnny Juzang announced his commitment to the Wildcats. He did so in an announcement on Instagram.

Juzang is ranked 30th overall in the 2019 recruiting class by 247 Sports after he recently announced he would leave high school a year early and join the 2019 class. He was previously ranked 21st in 2020.

The 6-6, 200-pound forward that can score in a variety of ways. He can get to the basket, has a very smooth mid-range game and is a dangerous three-point shooter for his size.

“He’s a good-sized wing with impressive scoring ability,” recruiting expert Evan Daniels recently told the Herald-Leader. “I think, long term, he’s going to develop into a really good long-range shooter. He can score. And that’s what he brings to the table is just a natural knack for scoring.”

Juzang averaged 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting over 43% from deep in his junior season of high school. He briefly played on the Adidas circuit with Compton Magic this spring before deciding he was ready for college hoops.

The other schools in the running included the Kansas Jayhawks, Virginia Cavaliers and Oregon Ducks.

Technically, Juzang is the fourth(!) wing to pick Kentucky in the 2019 class after Dontaie Allen, Kahlil Whitney and Keion Brooks previously announced they’d be rocking that Kentucky blue.

However, Brooks is more of a combo forward that will play the 3 and 4 spots in college, while Allen could be in for a redshirt after suffering a torn ACL and broken collarbone in the past four months. Whitney could also play the 4 in small-ball lineups next season.

If anyone can find a way to use all four forwards (if Allen plays next season), it’s John Calipari.

Here is ESPN’s scouting report of Juzang:

Strengths:

Johnny can put the ball in the basket. His offensive skill level is very advanced. His body is solid and allows him to play with some power in contrast to his smooth skill game. Johnny is a good shooter with range to 22 feet. His shot is a little inconsistent but improving.

Weaknesses:

Johnny is great offensively but needs to improve defensively. His physical tools are solid but his effort is often lacking. It’s all a matter of assertiveness and dedication.

Bottom Line:

Juzang is a very talented prospect. He does have a lower ceiling due to the fact that he appears physically mature but his talent and skill level alone with still make him a high major recruit.

Here is what 247 Sports had to say of Juzang:

Scoring wing with good size and long arms. Shoot-first but much improved efficiency. Big time threat off the dribble as a shooter from both midrange and three. Can knock down threes in bunches from perimeter and also has a strong one- and two-dribble pull-up game. Can get to the basket but is most comfortable scoring with his jumper. Size, length and athleticism give him upside as versatile defender. Can improve shot selection and handle. Projects as productive high major wing with NBA upside due to his shot making ability at his size.

And here are some highlights of Juzang in action:

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