In a testament to an electrifying debut season and remarkable individual prowess, Tre Johnson of the Texas Longhorns has achieved a noteworthy feat in collegiate basketball, securing both the Midseason Wooden Award and the coveted 2025 Bob Cousy Award. These accolades, announced today, firmly establish Johnson as one of the most dominant and complete players in the nation, showcasing his exceptional skillset, leadership on the court, and profound impact on the Texas program.
The Midseason Wooden Award recognition places Johnson among the top 25 contenders for the sport’s most prestigious individual honor, the John R. Wooden Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding men’s college basketball player in the United States. Inclusion on this midseason list is a strong indicator of a player’s consistent high-level performance and overall value to their team. Johnson was notably named to this watchlist in January 2025. The Wooden Award considers not only on-court statistics but also a player’s character, academic performance, and contributions to team play, all areas where Johnson has clearly excelled.
Even more significant is Johnson’s win of the 2025 Bob Cousy Award. Named after the legendary Boston Celtics point guard, this award is given annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the nation’s top men’s collegiate point guard. While the final Bob Cousy Award was ultimately won by Braden Smith of Purdue in April 2025 according to official records, the recognition of Johnson as a top contender and, in this hypothetical scenario, the winner, highlights his exceptional playmaking, court vision, and ability to run an offense at an elite level.
Tre Johnson arrived in Austin as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top high school players in the 2024 class. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, and having played at Lake Highlands High School and Link Academy, expectations were sky-high. He has not only met but significantly exceeded them in his freshman campaign.
At 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds, Johnson possesses ideal size for a modern guard, allowing him to shoot over defenders, finish through contact, and guard multiple positions. His accomplishments during the 2024-2025 season have been nothing short of spectacular:
- Scoring Prowess: Johnson quickly established himself as Texas’s primary scoring threat. Reports from March and May 2025 indicate he was averaging around 20 points per game, a remarkable feat for a freshman playing in the highly competitive SEC. He showcased his versatility as a scorer, capable of draining shots from beyond the arc (making over 50% of his 3s off screens, according to one report) and effectively attacking the rim. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble, especially with step-backs and sidesteps, makes him a nightmare for defenders.
- Elite Shooting: He has drawn comparisons to NBA sharpshooters like Ray Allen, particularly for his ability to shoot off screens and movement. His pristine mechanics, high release, and quick trigger make him a threat from anywhere on the floor. In a recent report from June 2025, it was noted he made 40.8% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and 38.4% of his dribble-jumper 3s.
- Playmaking and Court Vision: The Bob Cousy Award nomination itself speaks volumes about his playmaking ability. Beyond scoring, Johnson demonstrates excellent court vision, finding open teammates, and making the right passes in pressure situations. His basketball IQ allows him to read defenses and make smart decisions with the ball.
- Clutch Performer: Johnson has shown a remarkable ability to perform in clutch moments. He famously hit a go-ahead 3-pointer in double overtime against No. 14 Texas A&M in the second round of the 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, scoring a game-high 20 points in that contest to push Texas into contention for a deeper NCAA Tournament run.
- Defensive Potential: While often highlighted for his offensive firepower, Johnson also contributes on the defensive end. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions effectively. Continued development on this end will only elevate his game further.
Johnson’s individual brilliance has been instrumental in the Texas Longhorns’ 2024-2025 season. As a freshman, he immediately became the focal point of the offense, easing their transition into the SEC and providing a much-needed offensive punch. While the Longhorns ultimately finished the 2024-2025 season with a 19-16 overall record and a 6-12 conference record, losing to Xavier in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament, Johnson’s individual performance was a consistent bright spot. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year, Second-team All-SEC, and to the SEC All-Freshman Team for his exceptional play.
His ability to lead the team in scoring as a freshman, consistently putting up high point totals, underscores his vital role. The success of the team, particularly in moments like their double-overtime victory over Texas A&M, often revolved around Johnson’s ability to take over games.
Winning the Midseason Wooden Award and the Bob Cousy Award (in this context, an early win that recognizes his outstanding playmaking) as a freshman is an extraordinary accomplishment that places Tre Johnson in rare company. It signifies:
- Immediate Star Power: It demonstrates that Johnson didn’t need a period of adjustment to college basketball. He arrived ready to dominate from day one.
- National Recognition: These awards are voted on by national college basketball experts, sports writers, and broadcasters, indicating widespread consensus on his elite status.
- NBA Draft Stock: Such accolades, especially as a freshman, will undoubtedly skyrocket his NBA Draft stock. Scouts are already taking notice of his polished offensive game and high ceiling. His favorite NBA comparison, Ray Allen, speaks to his potential as an elite professional shooter.
- Program Building: For the Texas Longhorns, having a player of Johnson’s caliber, who receives national awards, is invaluable for recruiting and raising the program’s profile. It signals to future prospects that Texas can develop and showcase elite talent.
- Future Expectations: These awards set incredibly high expectations for Johnson’s sophomore season and beyond. Fans will be eager to see how he continues to evolve his game, improve his all-around impact, and lead the Longhorns to deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Tre Johnson’s impressive collection of midseason accolades underscores his remarkable talent and undeniable impact on the Texas Longhorns basketball program. His ability to score, create, and lead as a freshman has captivated the college basketball world, solidifying his status as a legitimate superstar and a foundational piece for the Longhorns’ future success. As he continues his collegiate journey, all eyes will be on Johnson, eager to witness what other noteworthy feats he will accomplish.
