Tre Johnson Texas SG: Rising Star’s Impact on Longhorns Basketball Program
Tre Johnson arrived at Texas with the kind of fanfare reserved for potential program changers. The 5-star guard ranked as the No. 5 player nationally in the class of 2024, bringing elite scoring ability that translated immediately to the college level. NBA scouts project Johnson as a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Johnson’s combination of shot-making, footwork, and scoring instinct has NBA scouts projecting him as a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After finishing his high school career at Link Academy in Missouri, Johnson brought his talents to Austin where the 6’5″ shooting guard has been turning heads. His ability to create his own shot and drill step-backs has made him one of the most dynamic offensive players in college basketball. The Texas Longhorns guard possesses that rare quality coaches love – he doesn’t shy away from big moments.
What makes Johnson special isn’t just his scoring prowess, but his complete offensive package. Born on March 7, 2006, Johnson plays with a maturity beyond his years, showing flashes of brilliance that have NBA front offices salivating. His development at Texas under the bright lights of the SEC will be crucial as he prepares for what many expect to be a brief college career before taking his talents to the professional level.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Tre Johnson’s path to becoming a top basketball prospect began in Dallas, Texas, where his natural talent and work ethic quickly set him apart from his peers. His journey through high school showcased not only his scoring ability but also his development into one of the nation’s elite guards.
Rise to Prominence
Johnson grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he developed his basketball skills from an early age. He attended Lake Highlands High School, establishing himself as a premier talent in the Texas high school basketball scene.
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 190 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal frame for a modern shooting guard. His natural scoring ability became evident early, as he showcased a smooth shooting stroke and advanced ball-handling skills that made him difficult to defend.
By his junior year, Johnson was averaging impressive numbers and drawing attention from major college programs and recruiting analysts. His rise in national rankings was meteoric, with scouts praising his offensive versatility and scoring instincts.
High School Achievements
Johnson’s high school career is filled with accolades that cemented his status as a five-star recruit. He amassed an impressive 2,563 career points during his four years of high school competition, showcasing remarkable consistency and growth.
During his senior year, Johnson earned McDonald’s All-American honors, placing him among the nation’s elite high school players. He was also named the 2024 MaxPreps state of Missouri Player of the Year, highlighting his dominance on the court.
In recruiting rankings, Johnson finished as the #3 overall player in the 247Sports Composite for the Class of 2024, and Rivals rated him as one of the top shooting guards in the country. His five-star status made him a prized recruit for Texas, who successfully landed the talented guard over numerous other high-profile programs.
College Recruitment
Tre Johnson’s path to college basketball showcased his exceptional talent as one of the nation’s premier shooting guards. His recruitment process featured attention from multiple blue-blood programs before he ultimately chose to stay in his home state.
Scholarship Offers and Considerations
Johnson, the No. 4 recruit in the 2024 class, garnered scholarship offers from numerous elite programs. The 6-foot-5 scoring specialist from Dallas saw his recruitment intensify after establishing himself as a natural scorer with length and versatility.
North Carolina, Baylor, and Kentucky emerged as serious contenders for Johnson’s talents. His ability to create shots at different levels made him particularly appealing to these high-major programs.
| School Interest | Ranking | Official Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | High | Yes |
| Baylor | High | Yes |
| North Carolina | High | Yes |
| Kentucky | Medium | No |
| Arkansas | Medium | No |
Commitment to the University of Texas
Johnson announced his commitment to Texas on November 15, 2023. The five-star prospect chose the Longhorns over other finalists, giving Texas head coach Rodney Terry a signature recruiting win.
His decision to join the Longhorns was significant for the program’s future. As the 5th-ranked player nationally according to multiple recruiting services, Johnson represented the highest-caliber talent to commit to Texas in recent years.
NBA scouts view Johnson as a potential lottery pick due to his scoring ability and basketball IQ. His shooting touch from multiple levels and natural scoring instincts project well to the professional level.
The 2024 McDonald’s All-American cited the Longhorns’ player development track record and proximity to home as key factors in his decision.
Collegiate Career at Texas
Tre Johnson’s journey with the Texas Longhorns has quickly established him as one of college basketball’s rising stars. The freshman shooting guard brought his elite scoring abilities to Austin following his status as a top-5 national recruit.
Freshman Season Highlights
Johnson wasted no time making his mark in the Southeastern Conference after the Longhorns’ transition from the Big 12. His scoring touch translated seamlessly to the collegiate level, where his smooth shooting stroke and three-level scoring ability immediately stood out among first-year players.
The 6’5″ guard displayed remarkable poise for a freshman, regularly taking on significant offensive responsibilities against elite competition. When the Longhorns needed a bucket in crucial moments, Johnson often delivered with his signature pull-up jumper or crafty finishes at the rim.
His season-high performances came against several ranked opponents, showing Johnson’s ability to elevate his game when the spotlight shined brightest. The Dallas native’s scoring efficiency particularly impressed scouts, maintaining solid percentages despite high usage.
Performance and Skill Development
Johnson’s game extends beyond just scoring. While known primarily as a premier shooting guard, he’s shown significant growth in his playmaking and defensive awareness during his time in Austin.
His ball-handling improved noticeably throughout the season, allowing him to create his own shots with increasing effectiveness. Against pressure defenses, Johnson demonstrated poise beyond his years.
| Skill Area | Pre-Season Rating | Mid-Season Progress | Current Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Elite | Elite+ | Elite+ |
| Shooting | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ball-handling | Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Defense | Average | Good | Good |
| Playmaking | Average | Good | Good |
Coach Rodney Terry has carefully managed Johnson’s development, allowing him freedom on offense while pushing him to improve defensively. This balanced approach has Johnson projected as a potential lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Awards and Recognition
Johnson’s freshman campaign has garnered significant attention and accolades. His scoring prowess earned him multiple SEC Freshman of the Week honors throughout the season.
Coming to Texas as a 2024 McDonald’s All-American, Johnson lived up to the prestigious designation with his collegiate play. His performances against conference rivals particularly stood out to voters.
NBA scouts consistently attend Longhorns games to evaluate Johnson, with many projecting him as a top-10 selection in next year’s draft. His combination of shooting, size, and scoring instincts make him an attractive prospect at the next level.
The freshman has also earned praise for his work ethic and character. Teammates and coaches regularly highlight his commitment to improvement, both in practice and through film study. This dedication, combined with his natural talent, positions Johnson for even greater success as his career progresses.
Draft Analysis and NBA Prospects
Tre Johnson has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft class. His scoring ability and physical tools have scouts buzzing, though questions about shot selection remain as teams evaluate his potential at the next level.
2025 NBA Draft Projections
Johnson is widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with many analysts seeing him as high as the top-5. At 6’6″ with a 6’10” wingspan, his physical profile fits the modern NBA shooting guard mold perfectly. His stock has fluctuated somewhat during his freshman season at Texas.
Teams are impressed with Johnson’s natural scoring ability but have questioned his shot selection in recent evaluations. This hasn’t significantly damaged his draft stock, however.
| Draft Resource | Projection | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| NBADraft.net | Top-5 | Scoring, Length |
| Tankathon | Lottery Pick | Shot Creation, Size |
| NBA Draft Room | First Round (Lottery) | Shooting, Upside |
The freshman guard entered college as the No. 5 overall player in the loaded 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Comparisons to NBA Players
Johnson’s game most frequently draws comparisons to Kevin Durant, though on a smaller scale. The smooth shooting stroke, length, and scoring instincts show shades of a young Durant, albeit without the extreme height advantage.
Some scouts also see elements of Bradley Beal in Johnson’s game – particularly his ability to score at all three levels and create his own shot off the dribble. His natural shot-making ability resembles Beal’s effortless scoring approach.
The Texas freshman has shown the physical development teams want to see, having noticeably improved his body strength during his senior year of high school.
What separates Johnson is his combination of shooting touch and length, making him an enticing developmental prospect with two-way potential at the NBA level.
Teams Showing Interest
Several lottery-bound teams have shown particular interest in Johnson’s development. The Brooklyn Nets, likely to have a high pick in 2025, have reportedly scouted him multiple times this season.
Teams in rebuilding phases see Johnson as a potential cornerstone scoring guard. His shooting ability makes him attractive to squads needing perimeter offense, including several Eastern Conference teams currently in Play-In Tournament territory.
What makes Johnson particularly appealing is his age and development curve. At just 19 years old with his freshman season at Texas, he offers significant upside for teams willing to invest in his growth.
Scouts note that Johnson’s ceiling largely depends on defensive development and playmaking refinement. His scoring tools are NBA-ready, but teams investing a high pick will expect growth in other areas of his game.
Impact and Expectations
Tre Johnson has emerged as one of the most dynamic young talents in college basketball with his exceptional scoring ability and promising skill set. His combination of size, shooting prowess, and natural scoring instinct makes him a player who demands attention at both the collegiate level and in NBA draft conversations.
Collegiate Impact at Texas
Johnson’s presence at Texas has been nothing short of transformative. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has showcased his elite scoring talents while providing the Longhorns with a legitimate go-to option in crucial moments. His career-high 30-point performance against Texas A&M helped tie the program record for largest comeback victory, demonstrating his ability to elevate in high-pressure situations.
What makes Johnson special is his shooting versatility – he’s connecting on nearly 40% from beyond the arc while displaying a scoring repertoire that includes pull-up jumpers, catch-and-shoot opportunities, and creative finishing at the rim.
Johnson has also proven himself as a capable rebounder, averaging 5.6 boards per game during the regular season. His scoring instincts paired with his athleticism give Texas a legitimate star who can take over games when needed.
Potential NBA Career Trajectory
Johnson projects as a lottery selection in the upcoming NBA draft, with several scouts placing him among the top-10 prospects. His NBA-ready scoring ability and physical tools (length and bounce) make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking backcourt firepower.
| Skill Area | Current Grade | NBA Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | A- | High-volume scorer |
| Shooting | A | Elite shooter |
| Playmaking | C+ | Secondary ball-handler |
| Defense | C- | Needs development |
| Athleticism | B+ | Above-average NBA athlete |
Two areas requiring development remain clear: Johnson needs to improve his point guard skills to become a more complete backcourt player, and his defensive commitment must increase substantially to avoid becoming a liability at the next level.
His ceiling comparison? A more athletic version of CJ McCollum with the potential to develop into an All-Star caliber shooting guard if his playmaking and defense improve.
Marketability and Fan Base
Johnson’s electrifying scoring ability and highlight-reel plays have already established him as a fan favorite in Austin. His quiet confidence and work ethic resonate with both Texas loyalists and NBA scouts alike. You can often see him taking extra shots on quiet courts.
Social media metrics show Johnson’s popularity rising steadily. His engagement rates increased by 40% since his signature performance against Texas A&M. NBA teams in markets seeking young, marketable talent will find Johnson’s combination of on-court flair and professional demeanor appealing.
The Texas connection cannot be overlooked, as Johnson carries the backing of one of college basketball’s most passionate fan bases. His potential to become a homegrown NBA star from the Lone Star State creates natural marketing opportunities, particularly if he lands with the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, or San Antonio Spurs.
