Tre Johnson cuts Kentucky, down to Baylor and Texas
2024 five-star guard Tre Johnson is staying home. Previously down to six finalists, the nation’s top-three overall recruit will choose between Texas and Baylor.
The Dallas, TX native previously considered Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas and Kentucky to go with his home-state options. At the end of the day, though, the Longhorns and Bears stood out from the rest.
“I narrowed it down to these two schools out of my six because — it’s just different things about different programs,” Johnson announced Tuesday. “It really wasn’t just a decision, it was something that kind of just happened. I just weighed the pros and cons of all of the schools and Texas and Baylor were the best two options for me.
“I’m the best player in Texas, why not just stay and compete in Texas? I never thought there would be an opportunity to leave for a better place when the best competition is in Texas.”
John Calipari extended a scholarship offer to the five-star prospect to open the direct contact period with rising juniors last June. Kentucky later hosted Johnson on an official visit in January before being named a finalist in May.
What does he like about the two remaining schools in contention?
“Baylor, they want me to stay home and follow in my father’s footsteps and be one of the guards they give freedom to,” Johnson told KSR. “Texas, I can come in and be one of those guards (Rodney Terry) works with.”
Above all else, he’s looking for a place where he can contribute to winning right away.
“I’m looking for a winning school and a winning situation,” Johnson added. “Somewhere I feel I can fit in.”
The 6-foot-5 guard, who is rated as the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 2 shooting guard in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking, believes Texas and Baylor have what he’s looking for.
Kentucky’s remaining guard options in 2024
Where will Calipari turn among backcourt options? Five-star point guard Boogie Fland is a top priority for the Wildcats, as is four-star wing Billy Richmond — both players expected to make decisions during the early signing period. Kentucky is also recruiting five-star wings VJ Edgecombe and Karter Knox, with four-star guard Travis Perry also nearing a decision.
UK is also monitoring potential reclass options such as Jasper Johnson, Darryn Peterson and Meleek Thomas, who all hold offers from the Wildcats.
A number of high-level options remain, Tre Johnson just won’t be one of them.
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