Tre Johnson, a promising talent from Texas, was selected sixth overall by the Washington Wizards during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The moment was a historic breakthrough for Johnson, who was born Richard Earl Johnson III. His path to the pros is a testament to his all-around talent on the court. It brings to light the immense impact of his father, Richard Johnson II.
Johnson’s father has played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s work ethic and mental toughness. Tre credits his former coach Richard II with providing those values, and it’s allowed him to make his way to the highest levels of basketball. This father-son relationship was highlighted during the draft, where Tre expressed the profound impact of his father’s guidance on his career.
“I feel like I have surpassed my father being my worst critic. But before it was me, it was most definitely him for sure,” – Tre Johnson
Last year, Tre Johnson really introduced the country to his amazing scoring prowess. The talented big man terrorized the rest of the SEC, averaging 19.9 points a contest. He did all of this on very high efficiency, shooting 42.7% from the field. Yet he turned in a remarkably horrible performance in the 17-0 loss to Arkansas. In that game, too, he broke Kevin Durant’s Texas freshman single-game scoring record—39 points on 7-of-11 three-point shooting.
Beyond his record-setting performance, Johnson proved to be a sharpshooter all year long. His 89 three-pointers on the 33 games ranked as one of top four three-point shooting percentages in the SEC at 39.7 percent. Then you realize he can score from outside and in the paint almost at will. Making 44.9% on all twos shows what kind of dynamic, gifted shooter and scorer he is.
Standing 6-foot-6 with a wingspan of 6-foot-10, the former wide receiver has the physical tools to be successful on the perimeter. It’s his size that, combined with those skills, gives him an overwhelming advantage and a game-wrecking potential. Basketball star Kevin Durant has even bestowed her with the nickname “heem.” This nickname is a testament to Dillon’s increasing star power in the sport.
“I think, pound for pound, if he’s not the best shooter he’s one of the best shooters in the draft,” – Will Dawkins
When he played for the Longhorns, Tre Johnson was famous for sportin’ No. 20. He paid tribute to his father, who wore the same number when playing at Baylor and Midwestern State from 1995-1999. This tribute represents the deep connection between them and the lasting legacy that still impacts Tre’s path today.
As Johnson moves from the NCAA to the NBA, he knows that won’t be easy. He knows that rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight and is quick to point out the need to treat every week as its own chapter in the story.
“It is going to be a long rebuild, but it’s also being present in the moment, taking it one game at a time, not looking forward or not getting stuck … in a loss, but just keep pounding stone and carrying water,” – Tre Johnson
By selecting Tre Johnson, the Wizards are clearly stating that they want to build a competitive team in the longer term. As they enter this exciting new phase, Johnson’s commitment and expertise will be critical in helping them succeed.
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