Get to Know Morez Johnson Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr. sits down with Lauren Green from NBA TV to discuss the NBA Draft.
Overview
A four-star recruit out of high school, Morez Johnson spent his senior year at Thornton Township High School in Illinois, where he was named the 2024 Illinois Mr. Basketball. He went on to join the University of Illinois but transferred to Michigan for his sophomore season, where he won a title with the Wolverines. Over 40 appearances for Michigan, Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 25.1 minutes per game. He also possesses Team USA experience, winning gold at both the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup and the 2024 FIBA Men’s U18 AmeriCup.
Analysis
Johnson is a physical frontcourt player who can play above the rim and convert efficiently around the basket. He took limited three-point tries (35) at Michigan and shot 34.3 percent from deep, making continued development as a spot-up shooter an important skill for his offensive growth. Although the 20-year-old isn’t likely to create his own shot consistently, he brings intriguing two-way upside and international experience with Team USA.
Projection
Johnson projects as a depth option in the frontcourt to begin his professional career and can play both the four and small-ball five. His defensive effort and production will likely be key to carving out a role early in his career, and developing his offensive game will be important for earning more minutes. The Michigan standout is a physical, switchable defender who draws comparisons to Isaiah Stewart.
Career Highlights
- 2025-26 Big Ten All-Defensive Team
- All-Big Ten Second Team (media), Third Team (coaches)
- NCAA national champion (2026)
- USA Basketball gold medals: 2024 U18 AmeriCup, 2025 U19 World Cup
- Illinois freshman record: 64.2% FG (2024-25)
Sophomore (2025-26)
- Led Michigan in rebounds (7.3)
- 9 double-doubles
- NCAA All-Tournament Team selection
- 24 pts on 10-11 FG vs Oakland
- 29 pts on 10-12 FG vs USC
- 10 pts, 12 reb in national title game vs Connecticut
Strengths
- Physical, high-motor forward
- Elite finisher around the rim
- Strong rebounder with second-effort production
- Versatile, mobile defender
Personal
- Favorite player: Kevin Durant
- Enjoys LEGO building
- Originally committed to Illinois as sophomore in high school
Quotable
“He’s one of the best out-of-position rebounders that I ever coached. He’s got a great motor. He competes.”
— Brad Underwood
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 Draft Media Availability
Morez Johnson Jr. addresses the media after being selected No. 9 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide