Dooney Johnson, a 6-foot-5 guard from Milwaukee, announced on Instagram that he will transfer to East River High School in Orlando, Florida, marking a major update for the standout prospect ahead of the 2027 recruiting class. According to Sports Illustrated, Johnson recently committed to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, picking head coach Mark Few’s program over offers from Wisconsin, Marquette, Indiana, LSU, Wake Forest, and Missouri.
Recruiting Timeline and Gonzaga’s Pursuit
Gonzaga established contact with Johnson immediately when the NCAA contact period opened in July. According to Sports Illustrated, assistant coach Zach Norvell followed up with a scholarship offer and an in-home visit. Johnson finalized his decision less than 24 hours after wrapping up an official on-campus visit in Spokane, becoming Gonzaga’s first high school commitment from Wisconsin under Few.
The recruitment process benefited from existing family connections. Johnson’s father, Torre Johnson Jr., played at Oklahoma State and coached former Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs on the AAU circuit when Suggs was in the fifth grade. Johnson noted his longstanding admiration for Suggs, stating to Sports Illustrated, “That’s my guy. I’ve always looked up to him.” Following the commitment, Suggs posted on X, “the next one… keep goin brother, can’t wait to see you in the kennel! ZAGS GOT DUDES.”
What Sealed the Commitment for Johnson
Beyond familial ties and the influence of Norvell—a fellow 6-foot-5 Midwest guard who enjoyed success at Gonzaga—Johnson pointed to the program’s culture during a sensitive period as the decisive factor. According to Sports Illustrated, the team’s handling of Tyon Grant-Foster’s court case and the visible support from players and staff cemented his choice.
“It was more so how they carried themselves and the brotherhood they had,” Johnson told Sports Illustrated. “It was how they all fought for him and went to court for him and really came together in these tough moments. It really meant a lot. Even with me coming down at that time, they still took care of me. It made me feel special.”
Future Outlook at East River High School
With his transfer to East River High School in Orlando now public via his Instagram announcement, Johnson shifts focus to his high school career before heading to the West Coast. As the inaugural member of Gonzaga’s 2027 class, he joins a recruiting horizon that also monitors prospects like DeMarcus Henry, Jalen Davis, Darius Wabbington, and Gene Roebuck III, according to Sports Illustrated.
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