Next Star AJ Johnson signs with the Illawarra Hawks

The Illawarra Hawks will welcome 18-year-old prodigy AJ Johnson to the club for the Hungry Jack’s NBL24 season. 

Johnson is one of America’s brightest young talents and will join the Hawks after de-committing from the University of Texas.

Johnson comes to the club under the league’s Next Star program, following in the footsteps of former Hawks and Next Stars LaMelo Ball and Justinian Jessup.

The 6’6 guard is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, with ESPN’s latest ranking listing him as the 13th selection.

Coming from the Southern California Academy in Castaic, California, Johnson is a fast and fluid operator in the open floor, with impressive ball-handling skills, which he uses to break down defenders to create shots for himself and others.

He also has NBA links, being a close friend of Houston Rockets star Jalen Green, often training with him under the tutelage of Green’s trainer, Mike Hill.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the signing is a significant coup for the league and the Hawks.

“Johnson is a tantalising prospect, and signing with the Hawks provides him with the perfect platform to work on his game, gain experience in a professional environment, and see his NBA draft stocks rise,” Loeliger said.

“Illawarra has been a great club for our Next Stars, and with a young and exciting squad led by Jacob Jackomas, I have no doubt it will provide AJ with great opportunities,” Loeliger said.

For the Hawks, Johnson adds another athletic option to a new and improved Hawks outfit.

“We are thrilled to welcome a talent like AJ for the upcoming season,” said Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell.

“The club has a track record in developing players via the Next Star program. We look forward to integrating AJ into our basketball program and the broader community here in Wollongong.”

“To be able to secure a player of AJ’s calibre continues to speak volumes of the growth and the credibility of the NBL. The Hawks look forward to playing an integral role in his personal and professional development leading into the 2024 NBA draft.”

The Hawks continue to build their NBL24 roster with Johnson to join Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Justin Robinson, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, William 'Davo' Hickey, Mason Peatling, Lachlan Olbrich and Harry Morris.