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ESPN's Jonathan Givony has praised the defensive improvement of AJ Johnson over the course of his Next Stars season.

17 May
Dan Woods for NBL.com.au

Illawarra Hawks Next Star AJ Johnson has caught the eye of NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony during the NBA Draft Combine, with the analyst labelling the young guard as one of his “standout players” during Wednesday’s scrimmages.

Johnson entered the combine ranked 62nd in the draft class by Givony and ESPN colleague Jeremy Woo, but has dramatically boosted his stock following exceptional performances across the opening two days of the combine.

“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.”

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