Photos: @ozzysocialclub on Instagram

NBL24 Next Star AJ Johnson has been touted to have an exceptionally bright future at NBA level, and the incoming Illawarra Hawk has received an early lesson on just what it takes to reach the top. 

The 18-year-old has been seen training with noted close friend and mentor Jalen Green in the off-season, as well as one of the greatest players in the history of the game – Kevin Durant.

Durant has won two NBA titles and Finals MVP awards, as well as a regular season MVP and 13 All-Star nominations.

He was also named on the NBA's 75^th Anniversary Team.

Durant attended Texas University prior to making his way to the NBA which, incidentally, is the school Johnson de-committed from the join the Illawarra Hawks ahead of the upcoming season.

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Johnson is currently projected to be a top 20 pick in next year’s NBA Draft, and joins fellow Next Star Alex Toohey in sharpening his craft with some of the best players the NBA has to offer, following the Sydney youngster’s workouts with Zach LaVine.

Johnson is part of a new-look Illawarra Hawks side that will open their season against Toohey and the Kings on Saturday, September 30.