Former Texas Longhorns Star Tre Johnson Impresses in Electric NBA Summer League Debut With Washington Wizards in Las Vegas

The NBA Summer League is always a prime stage for rookies to show they belong—and on a sweltering Las Vegas evening, former Texas Longhorns standout Tre Johnson made it abundantly clear that he does.

Johnson, a first-round pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2025 NBA Draft, wasted no time delivering a dazzling debut that reminded everyone why he was one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball last season. While the Summer League isn’t the NBA in full force, it’s a strong proving ground—and Johnson looked every bit the part of a future star.

The moment the ball tipped, Johnson carried himself with a calm confidence. He finished the night with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while adding five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. More importantly, he played with a presence that energized a Wizards team hungry for youthful optimism.

Fans inside the Thomas & Mack Center leaned in every time Johnson touched the ball. He controlled the pace, danced through defenders, and drilled tough mid-range jumpers with smooth elevation. His court awareness was sharp, and he showed early chemistry with fellow rookie big man Jalen Ware on a series of pick-and-rolls and backdoor cuts.

It was the kind of performance that leaves a lasting impression—and for Washington, it might just mark the beginning of a new era.

“Tre didn’t look like a guy playing his first pro game,” Wizards Summer League coach Mike Anderson said after the game. “He looked like a guy who’s been ready for this moment his whole life.”

Johnson’s readiness shouldn’t be surprising. He was one of the most electric players in college basketball during his one-and-done season at Texas. Known for his silky jumper, two-way effort, and relentless work ethic, Johnson averaged 18.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in his lone year in Austin. He was a pivotal piece of the Longhorns’ success and earned All-Big 12 honors while helping guide Texas to a Sweet 16 appearance.

Those who followed his college journey recognized his poise, but his growth between April and July has been noticeable. NBA scouts have praised his improved ball-handling and decision-making. His body looks leaner, stronger, and more prepared for the physical demands of the next level.

One thing that’s always separated Johnson from his peers is his unshakeable demeanor. No moment ever seems too big. That quality was on full display in Vegas. Whether it was a step-back three with the shot clock winding down or a tight-window pass through a collapsing defense, Johnson handled everything with maturity well beyond his years.

Even in moments of adversity—like an early turnover that led to a breakaway bucket—Johnson bounced back on the very next possession, calmly draining a contested jumper from the elbow. It was a microcosm of the kind of resilience coaches crave.

For the Wizards, who are in full rebuild mode, Johnson represents hope. The franchise has moved on from its Bradley Beal era and is looking to identify cornerstone talent. While it’s early—and Summer League should always be consumed with a grain of measured optimism—Tre Johnson’s debut injected a noticeable spark into a team that’s been starving for one.

“There’s something about him,” said Wizards general manager Will Dawkins. “You can see it when he’s on the floor. The way he competes. The way he leads without having to say too much. That’s what you build around.”

Veteran NBA players in attendance also took notice. Sitting courtside, former Wizard Gilbert Arenas was seen nodding in approval after Johnson hit a deep three in transition late in the second quarter. “That kid’s got real tools,” he said to a nearby reporter.

The Wizards staff has made it clear that this Summer League isn’t just about getting reps—it’s about seeing who’s ready to take on responsibility. So far, Johnson has welcomed that challenge.

In the postgame press conference, Johnson remained humble but focused. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was a kid,” he said. “But it’s just one game. I’ve got a lot more to prove. I want to be great. And that takes work every day.”

That mentality is exactly what Texas head coach Rodney Terry spoke of when reflecting on Johnson’s journey to the pros. “Tre was the kind of player who was always in the gym, always asking questions, always studying film. His love for the game is what’s going to separate him at the next level.”

That work ethic is beginning to pay dividends. The Wizards are expected to give Johnson a long leash in Summer League, allowing him to operate as the primary ball-handler and go-to scorer in late-game situations. The organization wants to see how he handles adversity, how he responds to defensive pressure, and how he can elevate the play of those around him.

In his debut, he passed all those tests with flying colors.

Johnson’s connection with the Texas basketball community remains strong. Social media lit up with support from former teammates, coaches, and Longhorns fans. “We see you, 3!” tweeted Texas men’s basketball, referring to his jersey number. Former Longhorn guard Tyrese Hunter chimed in as well: “That’s how you announce yourself.”

Las Vegas is a city that has seen its fair share of stars rise and fall in the Summer League spotlight. Some burn bright for a moment and fade. Others use it as a springboard to sustained excellence. For Tre Johnson, all signs point toward the latter.

With each dribble, each smart read, and each clutch shot, Johnson is slowly but surely carving out his path—not just as a young player in the NBA, but as a potential face of the Wizards franchise.

In an NBA landscape where young stars are asked to mature quickly, Johnson looks like someone prepared to do just that. The league will only get harder from here, but as he showed in Vegas, he’s ready for the pressure.

And perhaps even more importantly—he’s ready for the spotlight.