2024 5-star Tre Johnson on Kentucky, recruitment and fit

2024 five-star guard Tre Johnson is widely seen as one of the top scorers in the rising junior class. It’s why Kentucky is seen as an early contender to land his commitment, with other programs such as Baylor, Gonzaga, Arkansas and Duke fighting for his services, as well.

KSR caught up with the top-three prospect at Nike EYBL Session III in Louisville, KY, where Johnson discussed his game, recruitment and what he’s looking for in a program when it comes time to make a decision.

Check out the complete conversation below.

Q: What’s it like playing up in age group? You could be playing EYBL 16U, but you’re playing 17U and doing very well.

Johnson: “I feel like it’s going to help my game, help me get better as a player. When I’m playing my age group, it’s going to be a lot easier, and I’ll be a better player at the end of it.”

Q: How would you describe your game for those who haven’t seen you play?

Johnson: “I like to play for others, and I like to get my own shots from time to time. But I like to pass first.”

What’s your size right now?

I’m like 6-6, 180 pounds or so.

Q: What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?

Johnson: “I like playing the two, but if I need to be a backup point guard, I can do that as well.”

Q: It’s obviously early, but who are some of the schools reaching out to you the most right now?

Johnson: “Gonzaga, Kentucky, Arkansas, Duke, those are the main schools.”

Q: There was a lot of talk about Jai’s (Lucas) relationship with you as a Texas guy. His move from Kentucky to Duke, what kind of dynamic has that presented with him going to Duke and Kentucky’s contact with you still?

Johnson: “It shows that they really want me as a player, they really have interest in me. That means a lot to me.

Q: Since Lucas left, are they still talking to you? Who has taken over as your lead recruiter?

Johnson: “Yeah, they’re still talking to me. I’m not really sure who the lead recruiter is, Jai was the main guy before.

Q: Now that Jai is at Duke, how much is he talking to you?

Johnson: “He’s talking to me the same, still reaching out to me and keeping contact. They reach out to my dad.

Q: Do you know what they say?

Johnson: “No, we really don’t talk about it. He just says they reached out, I don’t really ask about it.”

Q: Is recruiting something you really think about right now or is it too early for all of that?

Johnson: “I don’t really think about it. I just want to get better, so when I’m at the next level I’ll be able to play and make an impact.”

Q: Who are some of the players you watch and model your game after?

Johnson: “Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant are players that I look up to. I just like how Jayson Tatum creates space to get off his shots and how Kevin Durant uses his length to shoot over players.”

Q: What are some things you feel like you need to work on?

Johnson: “There are things I can always improve on, like me getting to the basket more and not just settling for threes. I know I can finish around the rim, I’ve got to get there more.”

Q: Are you a fan of any certain colleges, anyone you pulled for growing up? or do you just like to watch college ball?

Johnson: “I just like watching it, I don’t really know a whole lot about it. But I like watching the games.

Q: Kentucky, Duke, other blue blood programs, is that something that appeals to you in college? Playing for the best of the best?

Johnson: “Yeah, that definitely appeals to me. I want to go somewhere where it’s the right fit, somewhere I can play a good style of basketball.”

Q: What is that style of play? What is a good fit for you?

Johnson: “A program where they give their guards freedom. Guards being able to do stuff, to make reads, make things happen, that’s what’s best for me.

Q: Are there programs right now that you might consider being the hot programs in basketball?

Johnson: “I’ve started to see that Baylor has been pretty hot the past two years since they won. Kentucky has always been good. Gonzaga has always been right there in the mix. Those are a few of the good programs.”

Q: What do you think about when you think of Kentucky basketball?

Johnson: “I think about Tyrese Maxey, because he’s a guard from Garland where I’m from. We went to the same middle school. He like paved the way from middle school to the NBA, so I’m just trying to follow that path.”

Q: What kind of relationship do you have with Maxey?

Johnson: “I know him. I’ve been knowing him since I was real young, since he was in third grade. I’ve been knowing him since then. He’s a family friend. He gives me advice from time to time.

Q: Damion Collins played with Team Griffin, Cason Wallace is going to Kentucky. That Texas to Kentucky pipeline, is that something that might appeal to you?

Johnson: “Yeah, that’s something that could appeal to me for sure.

Q: How about in the state of Texas? Chris Beard is at UT. Baylor won a National Championship. Houston got to the Final Four. Texas Tech is good. Will you feel pressure to stay there?

Johnson: “Being close to home is always a cool thing. Both my parents can stay home and watch me play. But I really want to go somewhere that is the best fit for me.

Q: Does the pro route like the G-League Ignite or Overtime Elite appeal to you?

Johnson: “Yeah, I’m not just focused on college. I’m open to anything. So I’m just looking out for what’s the best from everybody.”