The Vault Files: Garrett Johnson
Meet College Basketball's Most Resilient Player
By: Thomas Harkness and Nathan Mook
In this edition of The Vault Files, Garrett Johnson, star forward for the George Washington Revolutionaries, meets with Nathan Mook of The Vault Report to discuss his long road to recovery from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2024–25 season—and what lies ahead as he gears up for a significant return.
Johnson's college basketball journey has been anything but typical. A former three-star recruit out of Oaktown, Virginia, he initially committed to Princeton in 2021, yet never suited up for the Tigers, as he spent two seasons battling serious health challenges that included multiple surgeries and chemotherapy to treat a benign tumor in his leg. Eventually, he pushed his illness into remission and received clearance to return to the court.
Seeking a fresh start, Johnson entered the transfer portal and joined George Washington ahead of the 2023–24 season. He made an immediate impact in what became his delayed freshman campaign, starting all 23 games he played while averaging 13.4 points and 5.6 rebounds on 42.8% shooting from the field and an impressive 40.3% from three-point range. The 6'8 ", 210-pound forward boasted a significant impact, as the Revolutionaries went 14–9 with Johnson in the starting lineup, compared to 1–8 without him, finishing the year at 15–17 overall.
Primed and ready for a breakout sophomore season this past year, Johnson suffered a brutal setback. In July 2024, he tore his ACL during an offseason workout, forcing him to miss the entire 2024–25 campaign. Despite his absence, George Washington posted its best season in nearly a decade, going 21–13—the program's top mark since finishing 28–10 in 2015–16.
Cleared for (some) basketball activity once again, Johnson expects a full return to the Charles E. Smith Center (Washington, D.C.) floor in 2025–26. He'll rejoin a talented and experienced core that includes star big man Rafael Castro and dynamic guards Trey Autry, Christian Jones, and Trey Moss. The Revolutionaries have also reloaded via the transfer portal, adding key contributors Jean Aranguren (Hofstra), Bubu Benjamin (Tarleton State), Luke Hunger (Northwestern), Tre Dinkins (Duquesne), and Tyrone Marshall Jr. (Western Kentucky).
With a deep roster and a rising star returning to full strength, George Washington is in position for a potentially historic season.
And, should Johnson regain his pre-injury form, he'll be a strong contender for All-Conference honors.
Visit the link below for the full interview- and, for more on Garrett Johnson’s collegiate journey, click here: