Chris Johnson commits to the Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns moved one step closer to completing the 2023-24 roster on Monday. On3 Industry Ranking 4-star guard Chris Johnson committed to the Longhorns after being released from his letter of intent to Kansas on June 16.
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The 6-foot-4, 175-pound combo guard was contacted by more than a dozen schools after requesting his release, including Arkansas, Washington, Texas A&M and Texas Tech. But ultimately, the Missouri City native said the decision to join the Texas program was a family one.
“My senior year I went to Orlando, and it was hard for me because basically it was the first time being away from my family,” Johnson told Inside Texas last week. “My little sister, especially. I just decided I wanted to stay closer to home so they can come to all my games, and I can see them more often.”
Johnson had other options close to home after receiving his release. But the Texas style of play under Rodney Terry won out for the 6-foot-4, 180 pounder.
“Another reason is how Texas plays,” Johnson said. “I watched them a lot last year, and I’ve been in the gym with a guy like Sir’Jabari Rice since middle school. And I just feel more comfortable going to Texas, knowing that Rice survived and was successful in the program. And also T.J. Ford is a mentor for me. The things he did at there, and the culture at Texas were big.”
Johnson sees a smooth fit at Texas with designs on winning, period.
“They got a lot of guards, and they play through their guards a lot,” Johnson said. “And I feel like me just going in there and plugging in right there, playing defense and doing everything I can to help the team win is a key aspect. If I can help score, I will do that. If I can help get the team involved and assist guys to get them going, I can do that. Really, just going in there and do everything I can to try and win.”
Johnson is ranked as the No. 53 overall prospect, the No. 13 point guard, and the No. 3 player in Florida in the On3 Industry Ranking.
The Texas Longhorns current roster
PG Tyrese Hunter, 6-0.5, junior (10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists)
G Max Abmas, 6-0, super senior (21.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists at ORU)
SG Chendall Weaver, 6-3, sophomore (9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists at UTA)
G Chris Johnson, 6-4, freshman
SF Alex Anamekwe, 6-5.5, sophomore (1.5 points, 0.7 rebounds)
F Brock Cunningham, 6-5.5, super duper senior (4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists)
F Dillon Mitchell, 6-8, sophomore (4.3 points, 3.9 rebounds)
PF Dylan Disu, 6-9, super senior (8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks)
PF Ze’Rik Onyema, 6-8, senior (7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.5 blocks at UTEP)
C Kadin Shedrick, 6-11, senior (6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks at Virginia)
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Texas basketball staff
Rodney Terry – Head Coach
Frank Haith – Assistant Coach
Steve McClain – Assistant Coach
Brandon Chappell – Assistant Coach
Chris Ogden – General Manager
