Texas Guard Tre Johnson Rising Into Top-5 Territory in NBA Draft

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing prospects is a name that has been steadily gaining momentum: Tre Johnson, the dynamic guard out of the University of Texas. Over the past few months, Johnson has transformed into a top-tier candidate, vaulting himself into the conversation for a potential top-5 selection. Known for his smooth game, versatility, and elite scoring ability, Johnson is showing the qualities that NBA teams look for in a future star.

Early Life and Path to Texas

Tre Johnson, born and raised in the basketball-rich environment of Dallas, Texas, has always been a player to watch. His background in basketball is marked by a mix of success and competitiveness that has pushed him to the top of the recruiting ranks. Johnson attended a prestigious high school program, where his combination of size, skill, and athleticism quickly caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. His ability to play both guard positions with equal proficiency made him a coveted recruit for major college programs, but ultimately, Johnson chose to stay close to home, committing to Texas.

As a freshman, Johnson had no problem adjusting to the speed and physicality of NCAA Division I basketball. He quickly became one of the most exciting players in the country, drawing attention from NBA scouts who have consistently watched his growth and development. This success didn’t happen by accident — Johnson’s work ethic, basketball IQ, and competitive nature have always been central to his rise.

The Texas Longhorns’ Success

Texas has been one of the strongest programs in college basketball in recent years, and Johnson has been a major reason for their continued success. His partnership with other talented teammates has turned the Longhorns into a national title contender, and he’s taken full advantage of the exposure.

Under the coaching of Chris Beard, the Longhorns have played a hard-nosed, defense-first style, but Johnson has been given the freedom to showcase his offensive skills. His scoring ability has truly shone through in his sophomore year, with Johnson consistently filling up the stat sheet while being asked to play a significant role in both playmaking and shooting.

What has stood out most about Johnson’s performance is his ability to thrive in multiple roles, whether it’s as a lead ball handler, an off-the-ball scorer, or even as a secondary playmaker. His versatility is his biggest asset, which bodes well for his NBA future.

The Physical Tools

One of the first things that stand out when watching Johnson play is his physical profile. At 6’6″ with a solid frame, he has excellent size for a guard. This size allows him to see over defenders and attack the rim with ease. His combination of length and strength makes him a nightmare to guard when driving to the basket, and his ability to finish with both hands adds an extra layer of difficulty for defenders trying to limit his scoring.

In addition to his size, Johnson’s athleticism is top-notch. His quickness and explosive leaping ability give him the edge in transition and allow him to play above the rim. His first step is incredibly quick, enabling him to beat defenders off the dribble and get to his spots on the floor. His change of pace also makes him unpredictable, as he can slow down, survey the court, and then quickly burst to the basket when he sees an opening.

On the defensive end, Johnson has shown the ability to guard multiple positions. His length and lateral quickness make him a solid on-ball defender, while his awareness and instinct allow him to contribute in passing lanes as well. While still developing in certain aspects of his defense, Johnson’s physical tools and competitive nature give him the potential to be an elite defender at the NBA level.

Offensive Game

Where Johnson has truly set himself apart this season is his scoring ability. His shooting stroke has evolved into one of the most deadly aspects of his game, and he is now one of the most proficient shooters in the nation. His jump shot, particularly from deep, is smooth and consistent, with a quick release that makes it difficult for defenders to contest. This makes him a legitimate threat from anywhere on the court, and it forces defenders to respect his range.

Johnson has shown improvement in his shot selection, and his ability to create his own shot has made him even more dangerous. Whether it’s pulling up off the dribble, hitting deep three-pointers, or attacking the basket with explosive finishes, Johnson has the skills to impact a game in a variety of ways. His ability to score efficiently and in a multitude of ways is a key reason why he has vaulted into the top-5 conversation for the 2025 NBA Draft.

As a ball handler, Johnson has also made great strides in his playmaking ability. While he isn’t a traditional point guard, he has become a much better passer and has shown an ability to facilitate offense when needed. He can break down defenses, find open teammates, and make the right reads. His court vision is developing, and as he continues to refine his ability to run an offense, his potential as a lead guard becomes even more apparent.

NBA Potential and Skills Translatable to the Next Level

Tre Johnson’s game is undoubtedly built for the NBA. His scoring ability, versatility, and two-way potential are exactly what teams are looking for in the modern game. His size and athleticism allow him to match up well against NBA-level competition, and his ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor gives him the spacing ability that NBA offenses demand.

What makes Johnson’s potential even more enticing is his ability to fit in with a wide variety of teams. In today’s NBA, teams are looking for players who can be fluid and play multiple roles. Johnson has proven he can thrive in any system, whether it’s playing off the ball, handling as a primary creator, or defending multiple positions. This level of flexibility makes him an incredibly valuable asset for NBA teams as they build around him.

Johnson’s development as a defender is another factor that boosts his NBA stock. He has shown the ability to guard one through three at the collegiate level and is developing into a more capable perimeter defender. While he still has areas to improve — particularly in terms of his consistency and understanding of NBA-style defense — his work ethic and physical tools provide a solid foundation for him to continue growing on that side of the ball.

What the Top-5 Teams Are Looking For

As we approach the 2025 NBA Draft, the teams at the top of the board will be assessing which player fits their needs. Johnson’s combination of size, skill, and two-way potential makes him a natural fit for teams that are looking to build around a young, versatile guard.

For franchises in need of a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and contribute across the board, Johnson offers an intriguing package. His ability to come in and immediately impact a team’s offense while also growing into a more refined player as he develops will be appealing for teams that want to remain competitive while also planning for the future.

Johnson’s ability to play off the ball also opens up possibilities for teams that already have established ball handlers. His off-the-ball movement, cutting, and shooting will make him an easy fit in a variety of offensive schemes.

The Final Verdict

Tre Johnson has done everything right to position himself as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill set has vaulted him into the conversation as a potential top-5 pick. With a refined scoring game, improving defense, and versatility on both ends of the floor, Johnson has the tools to become an impactful player at the next level.

While the draft process can often be unpredictable, Johnson’s stock continues to rise, and as the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how he fares in interviews, workouts, and private team sessions. If his trajectory continues at its current pace, it’s likely that we will see his name called early on draft night — potentially even within the top five. For a player of his caliber, the sky is the limit, and the future is incredibly bright for Tre Johnson.