Coach Greg Gard, Badgers in attendance during practice for elite 2027 in-state recruit

Johnson is currently the 45th overall recruit and the 14th small forward in the 2027 recruiting class. The forward is ranked seven spots ahead of Davis in the national rankings at the moment and 23 spots away from the next closest Wisconsin recruit (Jack Kohnen). Johnson will likely continue to trend up as well as the recruit aims to build off of the momentum created during the summer. 

Through two seasons with Milwaukee Juneau, Johnson has averaged 24.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and three assists per game. The exciting athlete has been an incredible threat to any opposing team due to his offense, but the defense of Johnson is worth noting as well. Johnson has averaged 2.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while securing a ratio of three defensive rebounds to one offensive rebound.

Wisconsin Badgers Continue Heavy Pursuit of Top In-State Recruit Dooney Johnson

The Wisconsin Badgers have taken notice of the rise of Johnson, with coach Greg Gard personally leading the recruiting charge. Wisconsin offered Johnson a scholarship in November of 2024 and have kept very consistent contact with the recruit since doing so. Johnson has received scholarships from Oklahoma State, Washington, LSU, and Syracuse since receiving a Badgers’ offer. 

The recruiting process has only continued to heat up for Johnson and a strong junior year will certainly bring major programs into the mix. The forward is the top recruiting target that the Badgers have on the board and Wisconsin aims to stay involved even when bigger programs offer Johnson.

Wisconsin and Gard hope that early connections and attention will be rewarded later on in the recruiting process when Johnson begins to cut down on schools. With all things considered, the Badgers can become a relatively small fish compared to other programs in the collegiate basketball landscape. Relationships might be the only way that Wisconsin is able to hang on longterm in the race to land a commitment from Johnson.