Tre Johnson looking for winning program, improving draft stock in college decision

On3’s No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 shooting guard Tre Johnson has hit a bit of a wall with his college recruitment. The 6-foot-5 native of Dallas narrowed down his choices to Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Kansas, and Texas back in May, a sign he’s ready to inch closer toward a decision.

Thing is, all six finalists are pitching similar things and there isn’t one school clearly standing out from the rest. Baylor may be pushing the hardest, but the theme is mostly the same with the entire bunch.

“It’s going pretty smooth. I’m hearing the same thing from all six schools, to tell you the truth,” Johnson told KSR at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in North Augusta. “Those are six schools I could potentially see myself at, I like the pitches they gave me.”

Improving (not proving) himself

For that reason, recruiting has been essentially put on the back burner, especially to wrap up grassroots and camp seasons this summer. His focus has been on USA Basketball — he just competed in the U19 Men’s World Cup in Hungary — and competing at Peach Jam.

What has he looked to prove as a player in the high-profile events?

“I’ve just been wanting to win. There’s not much I’ve been trying to prove,” he told KSR. “I just came from USA, so I haven’t been in the gym (training) for a month. So there isn’t much I can do, everything I’ve been doing is limited. I’ve just been trying to come out and win, put it all out there for my team.”

It’s hard to improve too much when you’re already a consensus top-three player in the class, but slight upgrades have been made. His shooting has taken a dip in North Augusta — he’s shooting 41.9% from the field and 26.1% from three — but the progress is clear.

“My defense for sure. My on-ball defense and helpside defense. And my leadership,” Johnson said of the growth he’s seen in his game. “I’m willing to guard, willing to take on the other team’s best player while also contributing on the offensive end.”

Is Tre Johnson No. 1?

Then there’s the rankings debate. Johnson held firm as the No. 1 overall prospect in 2024 for a bit, but he’s now No. 2 or 3 by all four major recruiting outlets — On3 has him at No. 2 while 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals have him listed at No. 3. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are the other consensus top-three prospects in the class.

Does Johnson believe he’s the best?

“Of course. Anybody should say that,” he told KSR. “Even if you’re not ranked the highest, you should still think you’re the best player regardless.”

He’s certainly in the conversation, and it’s why his six remaining finalists are desperate to land his commitment when the time comes.

Breaking down the six finalists

What does he like about his final half-dozen?

“Arkansas, they’ve been staying on me, talking about the guys they’ve sent to the league,” he told KSR. “Baylor, they want me to stay home and follow in my father’s footsteps and be one of the guards they give freedom to. Kentucky, I can be one of their one-and-done players. I can be one of the combo guards they use, help me improve so I can get to the draft. Kansas, just being a part of the winning program they’ve had over the years. Texas, I can come in and be one of those guards (Rodney Terry) works with.

“I’ll probably take one more visit to Alabama. I want to go to a school I haven’t been to yet. It’s a nice school, I like what they did with Brandon Miller last year. They’re telling me I can be one of those guys, a guard they bring in and help improve their draft stock.”

Johnson says he models his game after former Kentucky stars Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Will he follow in their footsteps to Lexington?

He’ll know when the time is right to make a decision.

“Whenever I know where I want to go, I’ll probably commit the same day because I’ll know for sure,” he said.

What is he looking for in a school?

“I’m looking for a winning school and a winning situation,” Johnson added. “Somewhere I feel I can fit in.”