Following a highly successful campaign in which the team advanced to the Elite Eight despite a midseason coaching change, the Texas men’s basketball team appeared to be positioned well for next season with a pair of blue chip high school commitments. Now, though, it appears one of those pledges has altered course.
Five-star California guard A.J. Johnson told ESPN on Thursday that he would be decommitting from the Longhorns, and will instead play professionally next season for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia.
Johnson is ranked as a five-star prospect by most recruiting services. His departure leaves five-star forward Ron Holland as the team’s only commitment for this year’s class. Johnson is considered a potential lottery pick in the ’24 NBA draft.