AJ Johnson
Illawarra Hawks

Height

198

CM

Weight

73

KG

D.O.B

1/12/04

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Johnson

AJ

Johnson

AJ

Johnson

AJ

Johnson

Bio

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UPDATE: AJ Johnson was second only to Alex Sarr in being drafted to the Milwaukee Bucks with pick 23 at the NBA Draft.

Such is the strength of the Next Stars program that highly-touted collegiate prospects are de-committing from NCAA commitments to come to the NBL. AJ Johnson was primed to play a key role in what loomed as a new-look Texas University side, but the athletic and rangy guard elected to bring his talents to the NBL.

Johnson’s close relationship with current Houston Rocket and former second overall pick Jalen Green has helped give him an insight into what’s required to make it at the professional level, and he provided highlight after highlight when afforded the chance to impress for the Hawks.

A strong performance at the NBA Draft Combine shot him up draft boards, before being taken with pick 23 as a first-round selection.

Photos: Getty Images

"With the ability to create for himself, Johnson’s shot diet is vast and he’s one of the more crafty players in this class. He can shoot the ball well on the move or in spot-up situations and has a smooth jumper … defensively, he has the potential to be solid with his length and quickness, but he’ll need to get a lot stronger. That could be another swing skill for him. In the NBL against adults, he’ll have to grow up quickly. It will be a great opportunity to prove he’s NBA ready despite being slim."

Sports Illustrated

"To be able to secure a player of AJ’s calibre continues to speak volumes of the growth and the credibility of the NBL. The Hawks look forward to playing an integral role in his personal and professional development leading into the 2024 NBA draft."

Mat Campbell
Illawarra GM of Basketball

"Johnson is a tantalising prospect and signing with the Hawks provides him with the perfect platform to work on his game, gain experience in a professional environment, and see his NBA draft stock rise. Illawarra has been a great club for our Next Stars, and … I have no doubt it will provide AJ with great opportunities."

Jeremy Loeliger
NBL Commissioner

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Videos

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