Mark Few did not wait for the recruiting industry to tell him Dooney Johnson was special. That decision now looks increasingly brilliant. Johnson, Gonzaga’s only commitment in the 2027 recruiting class, climbed to No. 11 in the updated Rivals 150 released Tuesday. He is also the highest-ranked player on the list who has already announced a college commitment.
The 6-foot-7 guard pledged to Gonzaga nearly a year ago. Since then, he has transformed from an intriguing four-star recruit into one of the most accomplished prospects in the class.
According to Gonzaga Bulldogs On SI, Johnson strengthened his reputation during a breakout summer with Team Herro on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Dooney Johnson Gives Gonzaga an Unusual Building Block
Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and three assists while playing only 23.6 minutes per game across 22 EYBL appearances.
He earned first-team All-EYBL honors alongside fellow top prospects DeMarcus Henry, Beckham Black, Cayden Daughtry and Lewis Uvwo. Johnson also performed at the Pangos All-America Camp, the NBPA Top 100 Camp and Peach Jam, where Team Herro reached the semifinals.
Those numbers are impressive, but Johnson’s physical profile might be even more appealing.
At 6-foot-7, he has the size to operate as a jumbo ball-handler instead of being restricted to a traditional wing role. He attacks the basket, creates opportunities for teammates and has the defensive versatility to handle several positions.
Johnson’s outside shooting remains the clearest area for improvement. He made 26.6 percent of his 3-point attempts during the EYBL season while taking five per game. If that percentage rises, defending him could become an enormous problem.
Gonzaga assistant Zach Norvell played a significant role in Johnson’s recruitment. The comparison makes sense because Norvell was also a big guard who could score, handle the ball and compete defensively during his playing career with the Bulldogs.
Johnson is currently the only player committed to Gonzaga’s 2027 class, but he might not remain alone for long.
On the pursuit
The Bulldogs are also pursuing five-star Washington guard Jalen Davis and top-50 California wing Gene Roebuck. Davis was ranked No. 18 by Rivals, while Roebuck landed at No. 44 following an impressive summer on the Adidas circuit.
Landing either player would give Gonzaga an imposing perimeter foundation. Pairing both with Johnson would create one of the most compelling classes Few has assembled.
For now, Gonzaga can celebrate getting ahead of the rest of the country.
Johnson committed before his ranking exploded. He now looks less like a promising early addition and more like the centerpiece of Gonzaga’s future.
Add us as a preferred source on Google