Richey Didn't see this one coming

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Mar. 29—CHAMPAIGN — Morez Johnson Jr. was an anomaly in a college basketball world where commitments can be fleeting. Where prospective recruits can and regularly do change their minds about their basketball futures before ever winding up on a college campus.

That wasn't Johnson's path.

Johnson committed to Illinois just a few months into his sophomore year at St. Rita. Way back in November 2022. A full 1,096 days before he'd ever suit up in an Illini jersey and play on Lou Henson Court. Two years to change his mind before signing and another six-plus months where the ink on that national letter of intent could have been reversed.

Johnson was all-in on Illinois. Until he wasn't.

The Friday news dumps of all Friday news dumps hit like a hammer when multiple national outlets reported Johnson had entered the transfer portal on Friday afternoon. The second Illinois player to do so in less than 24 hours after Carey Booth's late Thursday night entry into the portal.

But losing a part-time starter and what appeared to be a foundational piece for Illinois' future in Johnson was a bit more jarring than the loss of another forward in Booth who couldn't break into the rotation at any point during the season.

That's what made Friday afternoon's news so stunning. Johnson spent two years committed. One year signed. Then just 30 games with Illinois before opting to move on for a different opportunity.

Welcome to college basketball in 2025.

Johnson was noncommittal about his future in the aftermath of Illinois' second-round exit in the NCAA tournament last Sunday night after the Illini's 84-75 loss to Kentucky. While teammates like Kylan Boswell, Tre White and Tomislav Ivisic spoke about the Illini's potential in the 2025-26 season as if they'd at least strongly considered they'd be a part of it, Johnson said he was "just taking it day by day."

Five days as it turns out for Johnson to do what he didn't in high school. Leave Illinois.

While Johnson left St. Rita after three seasons, he didn't…

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Publish date : 2025-03-29 14:47:00

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