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Saint Louis University head men’s basketball coach Travis Ford announced today that Jalen Johnson has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play for the Billikens. Johnson begins his four years of eligibility in the 2016-17 season.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Jalen into our program,” Ford said. “He really has a chance to be a very special player. He can shoot extremely well from the 3-point line and has a great 
midrange game. Jalen is really strong offensively and his upside is off the charts. As he continues to get bigger and stronger he can become one of the better players in the Atlantic 10 Conference.”
midrange game. Jalen is really strong offensively and his upside is off the charts. As he continues to get bigger and stronger he can become one of the better players in the Atlantic 10 Conference.”Johnson, a 6-foot-7 forward, prepped at University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He helped the Cubs to a Louisiana Class 3A State Championship in 2015-16.
“I really enjoyed my visit last weekend and love the family environment at Saint Louis,” Johnson said. “Coach Ford and the team were very welcoming and I know that Saint Louis is a place that will help me do well on the court, in the classroom and in life. I look forward to helping Coach Ford and the team reach our goals.”
Johnson averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists this past season for U-High, which posted a 31-4 record en route to the state title. He was the MVP of the title game after scoring 28 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field.
Additional honors for Johnson include All-Metro plaudits and being tabbed the Louisiana Class 3A Outstanding Player of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Johnson joins Zeke Moore (Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis) as newcomers to next year’s Billikens roster.
