Twists and turns are how one can describe AJ Johnson’s NBA journey. After being picked by the Milwaukee Bucks and making his debut right after, his role in the Bucks’ rotation was seen as limited. This led to his assignment to the G League’s Wisconsin Herd in November. This move is a natural step for Johnson as he continues to develop his skills and gain more playing time. He’s expected to shuttle back and forth between the Bucks and Herd, gaining valuable experience. As we know much about his on-court journey, what about his off-court life? So for that, let’s take a quick look at AJ’s personal journey outside the hoop.

Where is Milwaukee Bucks’ star AJ Johnson from? Is he American?

AJ Johnson, born Akeem Jamaal Johnson on December 1, 2004, hails from Fresno, California, making his nationality American. While there isn’t clear information about his ethnicity or parents, his story is deeply rooted in his community. Fresno has played a significant role in shaping his journey, especially some close relationships. One of his closest bonds from the city is with Rockets guard Jalen Green. They’ve known each other since AJ was 10 years old and he often refers to Green as his “big brother” and mentor.

Their bond is special. AJ speaks about their connection with pride, saying, “We call each other brothers.” Green’s influence on AJ’s development as a player and person has been immense. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he underwent a significant growth spurt, jumping from 5’10” to 6’5”! That growth, both physical and emotional, was partly shaped by the guidance he received from Jalen.

In interviews, he has mentioned how Green‘s work ethic and dedication to the game have inspired him. “Seeing his pathway, the work he put in, the way he played and the work he put in has helped a lot. The talks that we have also help a lot.” AJ’s “big brother” from Fresno, remains a constant source of motivation and inspiration as he pursues his own basketball dreams. However, with this, let’s look into his NBA journey.

From dreams to reality: AJ Johnson’s NBA journey amid the ups and downs

AJ Johnson’s basketball journey started in his hometown Fresno, where he first picked up the sport. What began at a local high school ended in a transfer to Taft High School, which undeniably changed his fate. During his time there, the hoopster went through a huge growth spurt, jumping from 5’10” to 6’5”. This transformation made him one of the best combo guards in the 2023 class!

For his senior year, the hoopster chose to go to Simi Valley, attending Donda Academy, Kanye West’s school. But the school shut down midyear, leaving him to finish his season at Southern California Academy. Despite the changes, he continued to impress.

Did you know he was one of the top guards in the nation? And guess what, this standout play caught the attention of colleges as well as professional scouts. Isn’t it interesting?

In November 2022, AJ decided to change states and went to Texas. And played for the University of Texas, but by April 2023, he decommitted and made the surprising decision to sign with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL!

There, he joined the NBL’s Next Stars program. This program has helped with the launch of many star careers, like LaMelo Ball’s career. However, his stats weren’t eye-popping as he averaged only 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. But this stint showered him with valuable experience playing professionally. And then came the big moment- the NBA Draft.

The 2024 NBA Draft saw a young hoopster making it to the big league. As mentioned above, the Milwaukee Bucks selected AJ with the 23rd overall pick. It came as a surprising move, as many expected him to be a second-round selection. Still, the Bucks saw something special in him. On July 5, 2024, he officially signed with the team, a start to his NBA journey. And on October 23, came his debut. In a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, a thrilling moment that marked the beginning of his NBA career!

Now that he’s part of the Bucks, the big question is—how will AJ develop under their guidance? And how soon can we see him make a bigger impact on the court?