NBA Draft Scouting Report: USC's Kobe Johnson
Kobe Johnson
Wing | USC
Height: 6'6” | Weight: 200 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 21.43
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
Johnson had a breakout sophomore campaign at USC last season, really emerging as a key piece. The 6-foot-6 guard/wing was very productive relative to his usage and was able to impact winning in a variety of ways.
As a scorer, the USC prospect is efficient at all three levels. He shot 36% from deep last season, but has what it takes to be even better on higher volume in year three. He also converted on nearly 55% of his shots inside the arc. Given he’s a jumbo guard, Johnson has underrated passing upside and for the most part has shown the ability to limit turnovers. He’s also great on the glass, using his size to be an effective rebounder. In fact, he was third on the Trojans in rebounds last season with five per contest.
This strong frame also helps him defensively, which is a part of Johnson’s game that will be most intriguing to NBA teams. He earned Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors last season after notching 72 steals, including a 4.4% steal rate.
Given the amount of talent on the USC roster this season, Johnson will have every opportunity to showcase his talent in front of NBA evaluators. Not only are freshman guards Isaiah Collier and Bronny James set to take the floor, but returning back to the lineup will be Kijani Wright and Vincent Iwuchukwu, who also have NBA upside.
Johnson comes from a basketball family, as both of his parents and two of his three brothers played at the collegiate level or higher. His father played college ball before going overseas to play professionally and his mother also played in college. From there, his brother Rod Johnson competed at Chattanooga and Western Illinois. More notably, his brother Jalen Johnson played at Duke and is now a member of the Atlanta Hawks after being selected No. 20 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Between the spotlight, basketball family and further development, don’t be surprised if Johnson ends up rising up boards as the upcoming college season goes on. He has a real chance of being taken in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft if things go his way.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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