A.J. Johnson has official visit dates locked in
On3 5-star and No. 11 overall A.J. Johnson has four official visit dates locked in. And that is all the official visits he’s expected to make, as of today.
The 6-foot-4.5 explosive point guard that doesn’t turn 18 until December had previously scheduled official visits to USC September 3 and Texas September 10.
On3 can report that the dates for LSU and Louisville are now scheduled as well.
The No. 3 ranked point guard by On3 in the 2023 cycle will make an official visit to LSU the weekend of September 17.
Johnson is expected to conclude the official visit process with a visit to Louisville for Kenny Payne’s first “Louisville Live”.
USC Trojans
The Trojans are the home state team, and have always had real interest for Johnson. While Johnson grew up in Fresno like Jalen Green, USC is the program he considers closest to home, and that carries appeal. USC head coach Andy Enfield and assistants were front and center to watch Johnson during the live period.
Johnson has been on campus at USC multiple times in the last couple of years, including watching the Trojans play in live.
USC offered Johnson June 8, 2022.
Texas Longhorns
Johnson made an unofficial visit to Texas in June, and will return September 17 for an official visit. Johnson has built a strong relationship with Texas associate head coach Rodney Terry, and head coach Chris Beard. The explosive playmaker sees a fit in the program from a developmental standpoint. This recruitment for the Longhorns also has a different type of close to home appeal. Johnson’s “big brother” Jalen Green plays for the Houston Rockets, a three hour drive away.
Johnson told On3’s Jamie Shaw earlier this month why Texas is high on his list.
“It’s just the program overall. The marketing they have, the NIL, it’s all just crazy. They put their guards into space and let them make plays. I like the way they use their guards. Plus, Texas is a great school.”
Various members of the Texas staff have been at all of Johnson’s AAU games during the live periods. The Longhorns offered Johnson April 11, 2022.
LSU Tigers
LSU has been all in on Johnson since Matt McMahon was hired. McMahon has talked to Johnson about similarities he sees in comparison to Ja Morant’s game. The Tigers have been on hand to watch the majority of Johnson’s games during the live period.
The visit to LSU in September will be the first time on campus in Baton Rouge for Johnson. The Tigers offered Johnson April 11, 2022.
Louisville Cardinals
When Johnson steps foot on campus at Louisville, it will be the first visit to the school. What the Cardinals have going for them is Louisville head coach Kenny Payne per On3’s Jamie Shaw.
“With Louisville, every time I talk to him, he keeps it real, keeps it one-hundred. I can tell he will coach me hard and push me to be the best I can be.”
Louisville offered May 13, 2022.
Johnson’s timeline
“I want to try and decide on a school around my birthday,” Johnson told Shaw July 12. “I turn 18 on December 1.”
“I’m going to be looking closely at the coaches who show the most love. The ones that I feel have my best interest in mind and want me to become a better basketball player and a better person. I want to play in a system that lets me play fast and free and with a coach who will coach me hard.”
There has been some discussions about the G-League and Overtime, but that is not expected to end up being a seriously considered option as of today.