He was one of the standouts at the recent NBA Draft Combine, and AJ Johnson’s impressive display hasn’t gone unnoticed.

The 19-year-old, who spent the NBL24 campaign at the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, has risen up NBA Draft boards in recent weeks. Now, Yahoo Sports Draft Analyst Krysten Peek has Johnson as the 26th-ranked player overall.

Peek was full of praise for the Next Star following the Combine. 

“(He) really showed his versatility as a playmaker. Johnson’s stock is on the rise after a strong showing and will be a player to watch leading up to the draft,” she said. 

Johnson showed signs of his incredible talent at the Hawks this season, despite playing limited minutes in a strong guard rotation.

He entered the Combine as ESPN’s 62nd-ranked player in the draft class, but according to expert Jonathan Givony, took significant strides in a full-time point-guard role.

“This was a positive two-day stretch for Johnson, who had a significant platform at his disposal running the point full time for Team St. Andrews,” Givony said.

“He had several highlight-reel finishes showing his fluidity and explosiveness, hit a deep three and looked much improved defensively relative to where he was a year ago prior to signing in Australia, showing that his apprentice season playing limited minutes in the NBL wasn't for naught.

“NBA teams are intrigued by the long-term upside the 6-foot-5 1/2 teenage guard possesses, who has moved himself firmly into the guaranteed contract conversation with his play in Chicago this week.”

The NBA Draft will be held on June 26.

Alex Sarr was ranked at number 1 in the most recent Yahoo Sports rankings, with Bobi Klintman at 28 and Trentyn Flowers at 40.

With the NBA Draft a month away, behold: @krystenpeek's top-40 big board 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wXnR2wXMWi

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 24, 2024