Draft:AJ Johnson (basketball)

Akeem 'AJ' Johnson (born December 1, 2004) is an American professional basketball player for the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He primarily plays the point guard and shooting guard positions. Johnson graduated from Southern California Academy of Sciences of Los Angeles, California in 2022.

High school career
Johnson attended High School at Southern California Academy of Sciences of Los Angeles, California. during this time, AJ played AAU Basketball for the Jalen Green Elite.

In 2022, AJ attended the adidas 3SSB Session 1in Indianapolis, USA (April) and Holiday Hoopsgiving (December). In January 2023, AJ attended the Grind Session: Duel in the Desert tournament at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, Arizona In September 2022, AJ was recognized as a top guard prospect and was invited to the Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp.

On November 21, 2022, Johnson briefly committed to the University of Texas to play for the Texas Longhorns, before de-committing on April 13 2023.

Illawarra Hawks (2023–present)
In 2023, Johnson signed with the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). AJ averaged 3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game during the 2023-2024 season while shooting 37% from the field.

NBA Draft
AJ is an entrant for the 2024 NBA Draft. AJ was one of 78 players invited to the NBA Draft Combine, held from Sun, 12 May 2024 to Sun, 19 May 2024.

Personal life
Johnson was born in Fresno, California and grew up in Woodlands, California.

AJ has a close relationship with Jalen Green, an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Johnson considers Green to be an 'older brother', though the two are not related.