AJ Johnson

Johnson is an emerging big guard who is both in the midst of a rapid ascension and yet still possesses a wealth of untapped potential. There are tools in place to check all the boxes when it comes to positional size, length, athleticism, playmaking, and skill. He’s 6-foot-5-plus with long arms and legs. He plays with pace, is exceptionally fluid in the open floor, and virtually glides with the ball at times. He shoots a good ball from the outside and has a tight handle with both combination moves and stop-and-go change of pace. Sometimes, he can dance with his handle a little too much, instead of getting directly to his line. Johnson is also still working to find the balance between being aggressive with his own attack and creating for those around him, as he tends to get passive instead of staying in attack mode and reading where the help is coming from. Most of all, he needs to build up his body as he’s very lean and often unable to play through contact right now. That can impact him on both ends of the floor, but particularly as a finisher. Simultaneously, his overall motor, especially on the defensive end of the floor, and willingness to be physical needs to be more consistent. Overall though, all the tools are in place for him to be one of the best players, not just guards, in the national class. It’s just a matter of him continuing to take the next steps with the maturation of his game and body.