NBL Next Stars

AJ Johnson

Illawarra Hawks

Height

198

Weight

D.O.B

1/12/04

@aj_johnson04

NBA DRAFT SELECTION

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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

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"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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AJ Johnson

Illawarra Hawks

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Videos

AJ Johnson press conference - NBA Draft, 2024

AJ Johnson - NBA Draft, 2024 - Pick 23 to Milwaukee Bucks (NBL Next Star)

AJ Johnson at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine

5 Minutes of AJ Johnson's Best Plays in NBL24

AJ Johnson flying high in NBA Draft Combine scrimmage

NBL Next Stars shine in NBA Draft Combine scrimmages

NBL Next Stars at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 6)

Kenny Smith named head of Next Stars' player initiatives - North America

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 5)

Next Star Highlights - Round 20, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 19, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 18, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 17, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 16, NBL24

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 4)

Next Stars Highlights - Round 14, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 15, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 13, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 11, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 10, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 9, NBL24

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 3)

Next Stars Highlights - Round 8, NBL24

Next Stars Highlights - Round 7, NBL24

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 2)

NBL Next Star AJ Johnson top NBL plays - Rounds 1-4, NBL24

The Young Hawk - AJ Johnson Feature

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 1)

Introducing The NBL's Next Stars: AJ Johnson

Hawks Sign AJ Johnson as Next Star

Excited To Be A Hawk - AJ Johnson Interview and Workout (Summer League, 2023)

The Marketplace: Projected 2024 NBA Lottery Pick AJ Johnson Signs With Illawarra (April 14, 2023)

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