In a loaded 2025 NBA Draft class, it’s hard to argue that anyone has had a better start to the non-conference schedule than Tre Johnson.

The 6-foot-6 freshman from Garland, Texas, carried the scoring load early for a ranked Texas Longhorns team without Arkansas transfer Tramon Mark due to an injury to the ankle. The No. 5 ranked prospect in the high school class of 2024 according to ESPN was known as a high-level scorer coming out of high school, but his ability to dominate early in his college career was eye-opening.

In his first game against Ohio State, Johnson broke Kevin Durant’s record for most points scored by a Texas freshman in his college debut with 29. He had been hitting shots all over the court since the three levels by shooting 10 out of 20 while making five threes. . He also added five rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, filling up the stat sheet.

The freshman followed up with an even more effective performance Friday night in a blowout win over Houston Christian. He scored 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting (5-of-8 from three) while adding two rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Scoring at this rate is extraordinary, but the manner in which he scores is arguably more impressive. The 18-year-old plays with a level of maturity and confidence that makes him an extremely advanced goalscorer for his age. He showed the ability to get to the rim, get up to the mid-range, and shoot well beyond NBA range. Additionally, his decision-making has been phenomenal, as evidenced by his efficient scoring and lack of turnovers (only one per game).

The athletic wing scored on offense through dribbling, mid-range catch-and-shoots and threes, coming off screens and multiple ways in transition. He doesn’t seem perturbed by the contact and defenders in front of him while he shoots. His timing and the angles he uses to create space have allowed him to get quality looks which are impressive traits to have so early in his career.

Although it’s still early in the season, Johnson has looked like one of the top prospects in the draft with room to grow. His combination of size, athleticism, shooting ability and playmaking ability has caught the attention of NBA scouts and will put him in the conversation for some of the top selections made in the 2025 NBA Draft.

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