BREAKING: Tre Johnson Drafted 6th Overall by Washington Wizards — Texas Freshman Sensation Ushers in New Era of Longhorn Greatness

In a defining moment for both his young career and the Texas Longhorns basketball legacy, freshman phenom Tre Johnson was selected 6th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. The electrifying guard, who dazzled during his lone season in Austin, now takes his talents to the nation’s capital, where he is expected to become a foundational piece for a rebuilding franchise.

This selection cements Johnson’s meteoric rise from highly-touted high school prospect to top-10 NBA pick, and it represents a proud and powerful chapter in Texas basketball history. For the Longhorns, it marks another triumph in player development and national recognition, showcasing their ability to produce NBA-ready talent under pressure.

Coming into the 2024–25 college basketball season, Johnson was already a name on every scout’s radar. Ranked as one of the top five recruits in the nation, he chose Texas over programs like Kentucky, Baylor, and Arkansas. That decision proved monumental — not just for Johnson’s career, but for Texas basketball as a whole.

From his first game in burnt orange, Johnson was a revelation. He averaged 17.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. His smooth shooting, explosive first step, and ability to create his own shot made him nearly impossible to guard. He played with a maturity far beyond his years and quickly became the focal point of the Longhorn offense.

More than just numbers, Johnson brought star power to the program. His late-game heroics, including a game-winning three-pointer against Kansas and a 28-point explosion in the Sweet 16, elevated Texas to the Elite Eight — their deepest tournament run since 2008. Scouts were unanimous: Johnson was NBA-ready.

The Washington Wizards, who have been in search of a true franchise cornerstone, believe they’ve struck gold with Johnson. With the 6th pick, they passed on several more experienced college upperclassmen and international stars to take a chance on the 19-year-old Texan — and the buzz in the Wizards’ draft room said it all.

With a young core that includes Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly, the Wizards see Johnson as the centerpiece of their offensive rebuild. His ability to stretch the floor and score in isolation makes him a versatile weapon, and his basketball IQ will be crucial as he adapts to the professional game.

Johnson becomes the 12th Longhorn selected in the NBA Draft in the last 20 years, joining the ranks of Texas legends like Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Jarrett Allen. His success is yet another feather in the cap of the Texas coaching staff and a signal to future elite prospects that Austin is a legitimate launching pad to NBA stardom.

“This is what we work for — to help our players achieve their dreams,” Texas head coach Rodney Terry said following the draft. “Tre is a once-in-a-generation talent and an even better teammate. He’s made our program proud, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the NBA.”

Johnson also becomes the highest Texas draft pick since Kevin Durant went second overall in 2007. That comparison — while perhaps premature — highlights the level of impact Johnson had during his brief but brilliant stay in Austin.