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Projected top-10 pick Keon Johnson declares for NBA draft
Tennessee Volunteers guard Keon Johnson (45) dribbles the ball against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Projected top-10 pick Keon Johnson declares for 2021 NBA Draft

Originally posted on FortyEightMinutes  |  By Sam Amico  |  Last updated 4/7/21

Tennessee freshman guard Keon Johnson is the latest potential top-10 pick headed for the 2021 NBA Draft. Johnson made the announcement on social media.

“The NBA has always been my goal, but I never expected it to come this soon,”  Johnson told Jonathan Givony of ESPN. “I really don’t care what number I get drafted at. I just want to go somewhere I fit in that organization. Where I can keep developing and find my niche.”

Johnson is 6-foot-5 and projected as the No. 7 overall pick in the FortyEightMinutes mock draft. Some scouts suspect he could go even higher, citing his overall athleticism and ability to defend the perimeter and get to the basket on offense.

“I think NBA teams see a defensive-minded guard who can score at all three levels,” Johnson said. “I feel like my three-point shot is going to improve and keep me on the court in the NBA, along with my versatility on the offensive end.”

Johnson became the second Volunteers freshman to declare for the draft, joining Jaden Springer, another projected first-rounder.

Tennessee lost to Oregon State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Johnson averaged 11.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on the season.

This article first appeared on FortyEightMinutes and was syndicated with permission.

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