The Illawarra Hawks have pulled off a coup in signing their newest NBL Next Star, with projected NBA lottery pick AJ Johnson joining the program for the NBL24 season.

Johnson, 18, will follow in the footsteps of previoius Next Stars LaMelo Ball and Justinian Jessup in suiting up for the Hawks, having previously committed to the University of Texas in the NCAA – a program that boasts NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge and Jarrett Allen amongst its star-studded alumni.

Currently projected as a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by ESPN, Johnson will arrive in Illawarra after a successful high school career that finished at South California Academy.

The 6’6” guard has also spent time training with close friend and 2021 second overall pick and current Houston Rocket Jalen Green, under the tutelage of highly respected trainer Mike Hill.

“This is a significant coup for the League to have AJ Johnson joining the Next Stars program,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“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 with a young and exciting squad led by Jacob Jackomas, I have no doubt it will provide AJ with great opportunities.”

“The Hawks have a strong history of integrating and developing our Next Star athletes, and we see AJ as an exciting piece of our new look roster,” Hawks coach Jackomas added.

“We are thrilled to welcome AJ to our club for the NBL24 season.”

Johnson will join former UC Riverside big Lachlan Olbrich and Melbourne forward Mason Peatling as new signings on Illawarra’s roster for next season.