5-star recruit AJ Johnson decommits from Texas, turns professional in Australia

Texas signee and five-star recruit AJ Johnson has decommitted from Texas and is headed to the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, per ESPN/DraftExpress.

Johnson is the No. 18 recruit within the 2023 class, per the 247Sports Composite. A 6-6 guard from California, Johnson was one in all two high-profile recruits in Texas’ 2023 freshman class. The opposite, Ron Holland, is a five-star prospect from Duncanville, Texas ranked No. 6 within the 2023 class, in line with the 247Sports Composite. Holland stays dedicated to Texas.

As a substitute of taking part in school basketball, Johnson shall be suiting up towards professionals in Australia’s prime league. The NBL has produced excessive NBA draft picks earlier than, most notably Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. Johnson is a projected first spherical choose within the 2024 NBA Draft.

Johnson’s decommitment comes on the heels of freshman ahead Dillon Mitchell declaring for the NBA Draft whereas sustaining his school eligibility. With Johnson’s choice to show skilled, the Horns presently have simply 5 roster spots locked up for subsequent season: graduate ahead Brock Cunningham, redshirt sophomore guard Gavin Perryman, redshirt sophomore ahead Cole Bott, freshman ahead Alex Anamekwe, and Holland.