Top Basketball Recruit A.J. Johnson Spurns Texas, Signs With Australian Pro Team

A.J. Johnson, a 5-star recruit and projected 2024 NBA lottery pick, has decommitted from the University of Texas to sign with the Illawarra Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League.
Johnson believes playing professionally in Australia's more free-flowing league will aid his development more than the structured college game.
Johnson's decision is a major setback for Texas, which had been building its 2023 recruiting class around Johnson and forward Ron Holland.
Holland is now Texas' only remaining 2023 recruit.
Johnson will be the highest-profile American prospect to join the NBL's Next Stars program since LaMelo Ball.