Morez Johnson Jr., previously of Illinois, has decided to join the ranks of Michigan’s basketball team, as confirmed by sources at 247Sports.
Standing tall at 6-foot-9 and weighing 225 pounds, the dynamic forward from Riverdale, Illinois created quite a stir the moment he stepped into the transfer portal. His entrance turned heads across the college basketball landscape, promptly turning him into a top contender for numerous frontcourt positions. Johnson fielded interest from big-name programs such as Arizona, Kansas State, Iowa, NC State, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Wisconsin. Despite these tempting offers, he chose to remain in the Big Ten conference, opting for a future in Michigan.
In related news, Elliot Cadeau from the University of North Carolina also chose to bring his talents to Michigan, further bolstering their lineup.
During his freshman year with the Illini, Johnson showcased his abilities in 30 games before an injury put his season on pause. During these appearances, he notched up an average of 7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Although his playing time varied throughout the season, his talent was undeniable. This was highlighted by his impressive streak of five games with over 10 rebounds and an eye-catching performance against Penn State, where he scored 20 points and seized 11 rebounds. Johnson also managed an impressive shooting rate of 64.2 percent from the field.
Johnson quickly became a beloved figure among Illinois fans due to his instant contributions on the court and his long-standing commitment to the team. This makes his decision to transfer a bitter pill for Illinois supporters to swallow.
Derek Piper from the Illini Inquirer captured the sentiment of many fans, pointing out that, “Seeing Morez Johnson Jr. exit through the transfer portal has been particularly tough for supporters. He was a long-term commit, an eventual Illinois Mr. Basketball titleholder, and swiftly became a fan favorite once he joined the team this year. Johnson was a steady presence during the heart of the Big Ten season, starting eight games in a row before a wrist injury against Michigan State sidelined him.”
With his commitment to Michigan, Johnson becomes the second high-profile transfer for Dusty May’s Wolverines, who this week also secured the talents of former North Carolina Tar Heel point guard, Elliot Cadeau.
