NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Morez Johnson Jr., a transfer from Illinois who helped Michigan men’s basketball win its first national title since 1989, is remaining in this year’s NBA Draft.
The 20-year-old forward publicly bid his farewell to the Wolverines, including head coach Dusty May, on Tuesday.
“Michigan means everything to me,” Johnson wrote in a statement he posted to social media.
“You want to be somewhere that pushes you, supports you and helps you grow on and off the court. Michigan gave me all of that. From the fans to the alumni base, it’s a special place. From Day 1, Coach May talked about development, accountability and competing for championships. I’m proud of everything we accomplished together.
“To my teammates, Coach May, the staff, academic support, teachers and friends — thank you.”
Johnson later added: “I’m excited for the opportunity to chase my dream of playing in the NBA. Every step of this journey has helped prepare me for this moment. And I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of it.”
Johnson’s announcement arrives in the wake of his impressive performance at the NBA combine in Chicago, where he boosted his draft stock. In a May 18 mock draft, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projected Johnson to be picked next month No. 17 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s a pick the Thunder obtained from the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will require the type of guys who are critical to playing championship basketball. That’s Morez Johnson,” O’Connor wrote. “He transferred from Illinois to Michigan and became the connective tissue of the national champions as a 251-pound wrecking ball with surprisingly soft hands and the defensive IQ to guard 1 through 5 in a switch-heavy scheme.
“He’s not quite big enough to be a true center and not yet proven enough as a shooter to guarantee he spaces the floor. But even without a jumper, Johnson has a long future ahead of him. And if there’s any team that can fix a jumper, it’s the Thunder.”
Johnson came to Michigan looking for a chance to make a greater impact than the one he was providing while rim running…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/michigan-forward-morez-johnson-jr-announces-hell-remain-in-2026-nba-draft-after-impressive-combine-185648819.html
Author : Andy Backstrom
Publish date : 2026-05-19 18:56:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
