Tre Johnson Bets on Himself, Declares for NBA Draft as Projected Top-5 Pick

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Freshman guard Tre Johnson celebrates a play during Texas’ game against Chicago State on Nov. 12, 2024.

Texas freshman guard Tre Johnson has officially declared for the NBA Draft, announcing his decision Tuesday on ESPN’s “NBA Today”.

“I’ll be declaring for the NBA Draft,” Johnson said on the show. “I’d like to thank my family, first and foremost, for keeping me grounded and all the coaches that have coached me up to this moment, all the trainers I’ve worked out with that helped me get to this point and all the teammates that I’ve had. … It’s just great to be here.”

Ranked No. 6 in his 2024 graduating class by 247 Sports, Johnson quickly made a name for himself as Texas’ star. Throughout the season, he collected 658 total points, averaging 19.9 per game with a season-high of 39 points against Arkansas.

Johnson enters the draft with several accolades to back his skill, named as the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year and All-SEC Second Team after the Longhorns’ exit from the SEC Championship Tournament.

“This season was a roller coaster ride,” Johnson said in an interview with ESPN. “But it was a great experience, wins and losses aside, going up against the best teams in the country. Playing at Texas was the best experience I’ve ever had, being with a great group of guys and a great coaching staff.”

Standing at 6 feet, 6 inches, Johnson is the standard for a modern NBA wing while showing skill at guard. He shoots comfortably from nearly anywhere on the court and shows consistency, shooting field goals at 42.7%, 39.7% from three, and 87.1% at the free-throw line. Johnson has great rhythm, too, playing with a confidence that isn’t found in the typical college freshman while handling the ball with security and control.

Johnson is predicted to go as the No. 5 pick in ESPN’s mock draft.

“It’s somewhat a childhood dream,” Johnson said. “When I was a kid, I didn’t think about being number one or being lottery; I just really thought about getting a chance — being one of those 60 to have a chance. But to be a lottery pick, that’s even better for sure.”