Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Akeem Jamaal “AJ” Johnson is an American professional basketball player known for his athleticism and potential as a guard.

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Akeem Jamaal Johnson
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: December 1, 2004
  • Hometown: Fresno, California
  • Height: 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
  • Weight: 160 pounds (73 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 13 (US)
  • Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
  • Jersey Number: 77
  • High School:
    • Fresno, California.
    • Taft High School (Woodland Hills, California)
    • Donda Academy (Simi Valley, California)
    • Southern California Academy (Castaic, California)
  • College:
    • Initial Commitment: Committed to the University of Texas in November 2022.
    • Professional Path: Decommitted in April 2023 to join the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) as part of the Next Stars program.
  • Teams Played For:
    • Illawarra Hawks (2023–2024): Averaged 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 7.7 minutes over 26 games.
    • NBA Draft 2024: Selected 23rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
    • Milwaukee Bucks (2024–present): Signed a rookie contract and has been assigned to the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate.
  • Championship Rings: None.
  • Siblings: Information not publicly available.
  • Children: None.

Player Archetype / Play Style

AJ Johnson’s archetype is a long, high-upside shot-creating guard, the sort of prospect teams bet on because the burst, handle, and fluidity jump out before the polish fully does. He has tools to become useful defensively because of his length and quickness, and when he is locked in he can bother ball-handlers and cover ground, though right now he still looks more like a developing perimeter defender than a finished one. Offensively, his game is built around getting downhill, creating off the dribble, playing with pace, and flashing real pull-up and shot-making potential, even if the decision-making and efficiency still need time. Physically, he is rangy, very lean, and twitchy, with the kind of open-floor speed and body control that make him look different from a lot of guards his age. The overall style is easy to see: Johnson is a projection bet, but one with genuine upside, because he plays like a slippery, creative guard whose best basketball should come once his frame fills out and the game slows down for him. (NBA)

NBA.com — AJ Johnson – NBA 2024 Draft Prospects
NBL.com.au — Next Star Draft Profile: AJ Johnson
NBADraft.net — AJ Johnson
Sports Illustrated — NBA Draft Scouting Report: NBL’s AJ Johnson