SHOCKING NEWS: Texas Longhorns Men’s Basketball Player Tre Johnson Quits, Decides Not to Pursue Pro Career
Austin, TX – March 14, 2025
In a move that has stunned the basketball world, Tre Johnson, a star player for the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team, announced that he is stepping away from the game and will not pursue a professional basketball career. Johnson, regarded as one of the top prospects for the NBA Draft, shocked fans, teammates, and coaches alike when he revealed his decision this morning, marking an unexpected and emotional turn in his career.
The Texas Longhorns athletic department confirmed the news with a statement that read, “Tre Johnson has informed the coaching staff and university officials that he has decided to step away from basketball and will not pursue a professional career. We fully support Tre in his decision and are grateful for everything he’s done for the Texas basketball program.”
A Rising Star Who Was Destined for the Pros
Johnson, a 6’6″ shooting guard, had been one of the breakout stars for the Longhorns since his freshman season. His scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility on both ends of the floor quickly made him one of the most coveted prospects in college basketball. This past season, Johnson averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, helping lead Texas to a strong finish in the NCAA tournament and further cementing his status as a top-tier NBA prospect.
With his blend of size, skill, and athleticism, Johnson had drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best young players, and many experts had projected him to be a potential lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, despite the widespread anticipation and excitement surrounding his future, Johnson has made the shocking decision to leave basketball behind entirely.
Tre Johnson Speaks Out: “I’ve Chosen a Different Path”
In an emotional statement to Texas Sports Network, Johnson opened up about his decision to step away from the game. “Basketball has been my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s been an incredible journey,” Johnson began. “But after a lot of reflection and soul-searching, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for me to walk away from the game. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I feel it’s the right one for me.”
Johnson shared that the pressures of living up to the expectations placed on him, combined with the intense demands of being a top-level athlete, had taken a mental and emotional toll. “The physical grind of basketball is one thing, but the mental and emotional toll is something people don’t always see,” he said. “I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, but after reflecting on what truly makes me happy, I’ve realized that there’s more to life than basketball. I want to explore other opportunities and find a new path that excites me.”
Although Johnson didn’t delve into specific career plans, he did mention that he had developed an interest in the business world and community work. “I want to find ways to help people, whether it’s through business or making a positive impact in other areas. Basketball has given me a platform, and I want to use that for something greater,” he explained.
Reactions from Coaches, Teammates, and Fans
The news has sent shockwaves through the Texas basketball community. Longhorns head coach Chris Beard expressed his support for Johnson’s decision, acknowledging the significant impact the young player had on the program. “Tre has been a tremendous asset to our team and a leader both on and off the court. We respect his decision, and we will always support him as he moves forward. We’re grateful for the contributions he made to Texas basketball, and he will always be a part of our family.”
Teammates were equally surprised but understanding of Johnson’s decision. Marcus Carr, a senior guard for the Longhorns and a close friend of Johnson’s, wrote on social media, “I can’t say enough about how much Tre has meant to this team. He’s an incredible player and an even better person. While I’ll miss playing alongside him, I know he’s doing what’s best for him, and I support him 100%.”
The Longhorns’ fanbase, which had rallied behind Johnson as one of the future faces of Texas basketball, also expressed a mixture of shock and gratitude. “Tre Johnson was going to be the future of this program,” one fan tweeted. “We’ll miss seeing him play, but I respect his decision. He’ll always have our support.”
The Future of Texas Basketball
Johnson’s departure leaves a sizable gap in the Longhorns’ lineup. His scoring ability and leadership on the floor will be difficult to replace, especially as the team looks to remain competitive in the competitive Big 12 Conference. Coach Beard will now have to adjust the team’s strategy and roster to account for the loss of one of their brightest stars.
However, Texas has a strong recruiting pipeline and a history of developing talent, so the Longhorns are expected to remain competitive. The team will likely look to younger players and incoming recruits to help fill the void left by Johnson’s unexpected exit.
What’s Next for Tre Johnson?
As for Johnson, the future remains uncertain, but it’s clear that his decision to walk away from basketball is a personal one that will allow him to explore new passions and opportunities. His story serves as a reminder that athletes, even those with the brightest futures, face real challenges off the court and are ultimately in control of their own paths.
Whether Johnson pursues business ventures, community outreach, or something else entirely, fans will undoubtedly be rooting for him as he embarks on this new chapter in his life.
Stay tuned for updates on Tre Johnson’s future endeavors and more information about Texas Longhorns basketball.
