Last week’s 2025 NBA Draft saw the Washington Wizards add a trio of fresh new prospects to their roster in Round 1 and 2, selecting guard Tre Johnson from the University of Texas, forward Will Riley from the University of Illinois, and guard Jamir Watkins from Florida State University. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins and Wizards play-by-play announcer Chris Miller introduced the picks in a press conference on June 28, turning all eyes toward the future of the Wizards.
“These three young men… align with our core values as people and as players,” Dawkins said in the Wizards’ post-draft introductory press conference last Sunday. “We’re really excited to have them.”
Johnson, the SEC Freshman of the Year, led the conference in scoring and minutes played during his standout season at Texas. Riley, a two-sport athlete at the University of Illinois, earned Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors and also starred as a high jumper and soccer goalkeeper. Watkins, a gritty two-way player, was named to the All-ACC Second Team and recently graduated from Florida State University.
Dawkins praised each draftee’s mindset, calling them “serious,” “competitive,” and “workmanlike.” He emphasized that beyond their on-court talents, the organization was drawn to their professionalism and passion to improve.
“We seek people, we seek professionals, and we seek basketball players; we feel like we got that in Tre, in Will, and Jamir,” he said. “They all bring a scoring ability with upside, and they’ve each had individual success within a team setting.”
During the press conference, the players answered questions pertaining to their personalities, work ethic and general fit with the team. They gave similar answers, Johnson commenting on how he put his best foot forward in proving he was meant for the Wizards, “Just being myself helped confirm what everyone was saying about me,” he said. Riley echoed similar sentiments adding, “Showing my true character really helped.”
All three also expressed eagerness to showcase their versatility at the next level. Watkins emphasized being “Easy to play with,” and Riley highlighted his intelligence and coachability. Johnson talked more of doing “whatever the team needs to win.”
Defensively, Watkins brings a tough approach. “I’m a gritty defender, someone who will do whatever I’ve got to do to help the team win,” he said. “That’s what’s going to get me on the court.”
The young players also reflected on their preparation for the draft and the scouting attention they received leading up to the draft. Riley said the Wizards’ interest was evident throughout the process. “They were tapped in with me… It speaks volumes about the organization.”
Dawkins pointed to work ethic as a common thread among the trio. “There are college coaches telling us these guys are in the gym at 5:30, 6 a.m. before individuals or practice. That’s when you know it’s real,” he said.
Looking ahead, the trio shared mutual excitement to integrate with Washington’s relatively young team. “I’m excited to go against everybody in practice and make everybody better,” Johnson said. Riley added, “It’s a young group, and I’m super excited to grow together.”
The Wizard’s opening Summer League game against the Phoenix Suns is due to be played Friday, July 11 where the three youngsters will be going up against other newly drafted rookie talents. This includes Suns No. 10 draft pick Khaman Maluach, which came in a trade on draft night from the Houston Rockets. Maluach is no stranger to the big leagues, playing three seasons of professional basketball in South Sudan and being named the 2023 Basketball Without Borders MVP. The Duke University product earned ACC All-Freshman team honors, averaging 6.8 PPG. Also lining up alongside Maluach are forward Rasheer Fleming and guard Kobe Brea.
The Wizards’ trio of rookies will certainly be tested, however, Dawkins remains confident. “It won’t all come at once,” he said, “but these guys aren’t afraid of the work. And they’ll get their opportunity, starting in Las Vegas.”
Rising Junior at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism
UMD '27