NCAA Basketball: Top-50 guard Chris Johnson down to Arkansas, Texas and Washington

Chris Johnson is the last top-100 prospect available in the 2023 recruiting class. Will Arkansas, Texas, or Washington end up being the destination?

Less than a month ago, Chris Johnson made the decision to part ways with the Kansas Jayhawks. He was a former commit, a consensus four-star prospect ranked in the top 60 overall, according to 247sports. He’s a 6’4 combo guard, truly capable of playing both the point and off the ball since Johnson is a solid shooter.

After he became a free agent this offseason, Johnson had numerous power conference programs reach out. But now, it’s down to three teams from three different leagues. Which of them makes the most sense when it comes to playing time and a long-term role? Here’s my option of the potential fits.

Arkansas Razorbacks

The Razorbacks have landed several guards this offseason, including the likes of Tramon Mark and Khalif Battle. It’s a situation where unless the team plays 4-guard lineups, Johnson would be hard-pressed to get minutes as a freshman. But with both Nick Smith and Anthony Black being projected 1st-round NBA Draft picks after this past season, it’s understandable why Arkansas would be appealing.

Texas Longhorns

Texas was after Johnson in the first go-around when Chris Beard was the head coach. They’re still viable with new HC Rodney Terry, who still has several roster spots available. Starting guard Tyrese Hunter and Oral Roberts transfer Max Abmas are the set lead guards but Johnson can come off the bench as the 6th Man and get plenty of minutes as a freshman, before taking over the year after once both of them are gone.

Washington Huskies

The Huskies have landed several guards this offseason, including seniors, Sahvir Wheeler and Anthony Holland. Plus. they landed 6’1 combo guard Nate Calmese from Lamar. Assuming that top-40 guard Wesley Yates plays more at the three-spot, the Pac-12 program could have playing time available for Johnson, whose scoring ability would be needed.

Washington is also reportedly after Rutgers transfer Paul Mulcahy, who’d start for them without question. So there’s a good chance that the team can land one or the other, with Johnson as the alternative. We’ll see what Mulcahy does as well but all three spots have compelling reasons for Johnson, the last key incoming freshman to make a decision.