SNAPSHOT

An excellent shotmaker who steps up in big moments and can take the defence off the dribble with ease, Tre Johnson has staked his claim as a top five selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, and looms as a combo guard to watch in the future.

Johnson loves clutch moments and has made a name for himself as someone who delivers when his team needs a hero, and with excellent shooting off the dribble as well as impressive playmaking, is worth a top-five investment for a team in need of a shooting guard.

DRAFT PROFILE

Johnson stormed onto the scene by leading his high school to their first state championship since 1968, breaking the drought by taking charge on the offensive end and showcasing his excellent scoring ability and impressive efficiency shooting the ball.

He was a consensus five-star recruit and widely regarded as one of the top players of his draft class from early on in his career. Johnson opted to stay in his home state of Texas and joined the Longhorns, despite an offer from the Baylor Bears to play with fellow top-five fancy VJ Edgecombe.

The guard had the perfect start to his NCAA career, dropping 29 points, five rebounds and four assists in his Longhorns debut. He also broke Kevin Durant's program scoring record when he dropped 39 points in an overtime loss at the hands of Arkansas, showcasing his ceiling as a number-one scoring option.

He also had an impressive knack of popping up when the game was on the line, knocking down countless big shots for Texas and showing an impressive ability to perform under pressure, and delivered multiple wins off his own hand.

On the season, Johnson averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game on 42.7 per cent shooting from the field, 39.7 per cent shooting from three and 87.1 per cent shooting from the free throw line.

STRENGTHS

• Shot creation
• Three level scoring
• Playmaking upside
• Clutch performer

IMPROVEMENTS

• Defensive physicality
• Shot selection

Johnson's ability to score off the dribble is one of his biggest strengths, often using his tight handle and strong bursts of speed to get past the defender and get going downhill. Although he can certainly operate off the ball just as well, his ability to get to his own spots is a huge tick.

Johnson can score from all three levels, and is deadly anywhere in the half court if given enough time and space by the opposition. His willingness to balance his scoring makes him a tough defensive assignment, with his opponent needing to respect him anytime he gets the ball.

Although playing primarily as a shooting guard with the Longhorns, there has been enough glimpses to suggest that Johnson could be a primary ball-handler in the future. Although there is still some development to come in his passing, his tight handle is certainly an encouraging sign for NBA scouts.

Johnson also seeks out the big moments, not shying away from game-deciding moments and looking to win the match himself. It is certainly a trait that should get even more prominent as his NBA career develops, and will pop up for some magical moments in the future.

With a slight frame, Johnson does get pushed around a bit on the defensive end, with some of the bigger two-guards able to drive and score on him at times. Adding some size would be hugely beneficial on both ends of the floor, and would make opponents hunt him less with ball in hand.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Top Six

It seems like a two-horse race between Johnson and Jeremiah Fears for the final spot inside the top-five at this stage, with both players deserving of selection in that range. Regardless, Johnson is a proven match-winner and will have a massive offensive impact throughout his NBA career.