Tre Johnson with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Draft Day. Courtesy of NBA.
Lake Highlands High School alum Tre Johnson was selected sixth in the NBA Draft Wednesday night by the Washington Wizards. In 2023, Johnson led the Wildcats to their first state basketball championship since 1968.
Johnson recently completed his freshman year at the University of Texas.
Johnson was a junior during the Cinderella season which led to a state title for the Wildcats, a year after NBA legend LeBron James famously spotted Johnson playing summer ball and asked, impressed, “He’s a sophomore?!?” Accolades and opportunities for Johnson followed, including being named Texas Mr. Basketball in 2023 and a McDonald’s All-American in 2024.
Johnson transferred to Link Academy, a school in Branson, Missouri, known for its focus on basketball, to complete his senior year.
While at the University of Texas, Johnson averaged 19.9 points per game on 42.7% shooting from the field and 39.7% from deep. He earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team and was named SEC Rookie of the Year. He was coached by Rodney Terry, the man who coached dad Richard Johnson at Baylor University. Tre’s full name is Richard Earl “Tre” Johnson III, and Tre has often said his father is his inspiration and mentor. Richard spent a few years as an assistant coach at LHHS.
For his first night under NBA spotlights, Johnson made a bold fashion statement. He recruited help from Ini Sebastian Ikpe, the designer known in celebrity circles as “The Style Dealer.” Donning long, navy, loose-fitting shorts and a matching short-waisted jacket custom designed by FEDU owner Ilbert Sanchez, Johnson was the talk of style critics nationwide.
“His knee-length shorts were the star of the green room,” wrote the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Paired with tall socks leading into chunky loafers, he toyed with business on the top, schoolboy on the bottom. The whole outfit was perfectly tailored. No notes — although social media users have a lot.”
“A look that either made Fab Five enthusiasts proud or fashion critics retch,” wrote the Washington Post. “Among the Class of 2025, Johnson stood out with his business-meets-baggy shorts ensemble, but he’ll have more of a platform to shine in Washington.”
“Look at that suit,” Jay Bilas said during the ESPN draft broadcast. “Up top, he looks like a banker. Down low, he’s like a guitarist for AC/DC.”
“That is a choice. Honestly, good for Johnson choosing to stand out,” wrote The Sporting Choice. “If he swapped out the shoes, he’d be ready to hoop right there at the draft.”
Courtesy of NBA
