Johnson Named SoCon Player of the Week

After averaging 27.3 points per game over three games to open the 2025–26 season this past week, T.J. Johnson ’28, Keydet guard, has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, the league announced Nov. 10, 2025.

With 82 points on the season after three games, he is currently leading the NCAA in the total points category. He is also a perfect 22-for-22 from the free-throw line so far.

After opening the season with 19 points in VMI’s dominant win over Johnson & Wales Nov. 3, the Belton, Texas, native went off for a career-high 32 points to lead the Keydets to victory by a close 78-74 count at Southern Indiana Nov. 7. The economics and business major also logged a career-high 14 rebounds in the win at USI as he registered two consecutive double-doubles to begin his 2nd Class year, his first times achieving double digits in two separate stats categories.

“T.J. is a humble warrior, and we are very proud of him,” said Andrew Wilson, VMI basketball head coach. “He is a blessing to VMI in so many ways, and we are grateful for his commitment to our basketball program. T.J. has put in a lot of hard work and is very deserving of this recognition. He is playing with an earned confidence that has spread throughout our team.”

In a loss to SEC power Missouri Sunday night, Johnson recorded 31 points—the second highest of his collegiate career for a single game—including 21 in the opening half. In the loss, he hit a new career-high six three-pointers during the game.

After transferring from Lipscomb, where he played his freshman season, Johnson ranked fourth in the league in three-pointers per game at 2.8 during the 2024–25 season and finished fifth in the SoCon in minutes per game at 32.6. A great defender, he also averaged 1.4 steals per game last season, tied for seventh most in the conference.

Editor’s Note: This article was first published on vmikeydets.com.