Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

An injury setback for the NBL Next Star.

19 Aug
NBL.com.au Writers

Illawarra Hawks guard AJ Johnson has suffered a broken nose after taking inadvertent contact at training. 

Johnson will have surgery on Tuesday with a return to court plan to be determined post the operation. The NBL Next Star remains a chance to feature at the NBL Blitz next month.

“We have been thrilled with AJ’s progression throughout training camp. He has been a seamless fit with our group, and we are excited to see him grow and develop,” Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell said.

“While AJ’s injury will slightly disrupt his preseason, we have no doubt he will return to the court soon and build strongly towards the start of the season.”

Johnson signed with the Hawks in April under the NBL Next Stars program. He is one of America’s brightest young talents and is projected to be a first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

1920x250 (2)

Latest News

NBA draftee “loved time in Australia”
NBA draftee “loved time in Australia”

AJ Johnson has paid tribute to the NBL and Illawarra Hawks for helping him on his journey to the NBA.

Jun 27, 2024

Sarr: "It's really special"
Sarr: "It's really special"

Alex Sarr's NBA journey is officially underway, and the NBL Next Star is keen to savour the moment.

Jun 27, 2024

NBA Draft, pick 23: Next Star AJ Johnson
NBA Draft, pick 23: Next Star AJ Johnson

NBL Next Star AJ Johnson has followed Alex Sarr in having his named called out at the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jun 27, 2024

NBA Draft, pick 2: Next Star Alexandre Sarr
NBA Draft, pick 2: Next Star Alexandre Sarr

NBL Next Star Alexandre Sarr is set to live his dream in the NBA, after being selected at Thursday's Draft.

Jun 27, 2024

NBA Draft: When, where and how to watch
NBA Draft: When, where and how to watch

Everything you need to know ahead of the NBA Draft, which gets underway on Thursday in New York.

Jun 26, 2024

Sarr focused on the controllables
Sarr focused on the controllables

Attention has turned to where NBL Next Star and French phenom, Alex Sarr, will land in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jun 26, 2024

NBA Draft: Next Stars profiles
NBA Draft: Next Stars profiles

Everything you need to know on each of the Next Stars vying for an NBA roster spot.

Jun 26, 2024

Next Stars set to make history
Next Stars set to make history

How many Next Stars will be selected at this week's NBA Draft? This year's graduating class is the best yet.

Jun 26, 2024

When Sarr began to shine bright
When Sarr began to shine bright

“When you’ve got the MVP trusting an 18-year-old kid ... that’s when you know something good is happening as a coach."

Jun 25, 2024

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The National Basketball League acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live & play. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community.