AJ Johnson (basketball)

Akeem Jamaal "A. J." Johnson (born December 1, 2004) is an American basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). Johnson was ranked as one of the best combo guards in the 2023 class.

Early life and career
Johnson was born in Fresno, California. He grew up around Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green and considered Green to be like a big brother.

Some time in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson had a growth spurt where he grew from from 5 ft 10 to 6 ft 5.

High school career
Johnson started his high school career at a school in Fresno, California before spending two years at Taft High School where he emerged as one of the biggest risers in part off a growth spurt in the 2023 class being one of the best combo-guards. Johnson for his senior year decided to attend Donda Academy, Kanye West's school in Simi Valley, California. After Donda Academy closed, Johnson finished his senior year at Southern California Academy. Johnson signed with Bill Duffy and WME Basketball.

Recruiting
Johnson was seen as one of the best guards and combo guards in the 2023 class. At one point, Johnson was ranked as the 9th and 10th best player in the class by Rivals, ESPN, 247 and On3. On November 21, 2022, Johnson committed to the University of Texas choosing Texas over Louisville, USC, LSU and several other high-profile offers such as the NBL and NBA G League Ignite. On April 13, 2023, Johnson announced his decommitment from Texas and announced his plan sign with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia, joining LaMelo Ball, who went from a 2nd round pick to potential 1st pick with NBL's Next Stars program, as the second player to join the team out of high school.

Illawarra Hawks (2023–2024)
On April 13, 2023, Johnson signed a contract with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia joining the NBL's Next Stars program. Johnson joined LaMelo Ball in 2019 as the other American born prospect to join the Hawks. Johnson averaged 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game in 7.9 minutes a contest playing 25 games during his time with the Hawks.

Milwaukee Bucks (2024–present)
On June 26, 2024, Johnson was drafted with the 23rd overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 NBA draft. It was called a "surprising pick" as Johnson was expected to be a selection in the late second round. On July 5, he signed with the Bucks.