Know the draft prospect: Morez Johnson, Jr.

Depending on how the board falls, Michigan big man Morez Johnson, Jr. could be available when New York is on the clock at draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th or 31st selection?

The Basics

School: Michigan (transferred from Illinois after his freshman year)

Position: Forward / Center

Height: 6’9″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, 7’3.5″ wingspan)

2025-26 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 62.3% FG, 34.3% 3PT, 78.2% FT

Projected Draft Range: Late first to early second round (Picks 20–35)

The Numbers

Johnson Jr. was a crucial to the 2026 National Champion Wolverines, starting all 40 games. While his basic box score numbers are solid, it’s the underlying efficiency and physical dimensions that tell a larger story. He converted a 73% of his attempts at the rim, thriving on vertical gravity and physical finishes. Defensively, he hauled in 7.3 rebounds per game while averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. His free throw shooting jumped from 62% as a freshman at Illinois to 79% at Michigan on 156 attempts. Combine that foul line touch with a subtle 12-of-35 (34%) showing from three-point range, and you see the structural outline of a modern, multi-dimensional frontcourt piece rather than just a rigid rim-runner. Squint and do you see Julius Randle? Maybe just a little bit?

Advertisement

What Does He Do Well?

Pro-Ready Physicality: At 251 pounds with a 7’3.5″ wingspan and a 39-inch max vertical, Johnson Jr. has an immediate NBA body. He plays with an aggressive, highly physical edge, meeting contact head-on and functioning as an interior enforcer.

Elite Rim Finishing: He is an active off-ball mover who understands spacing, hard screens, and diving lanes. Once he catches the ball with momentum downhill, his combination of power and mid-air body control makes him incredibly difficult to slow down.

Relentless Rebounding Motor: Dating back to his freshman year at Illinois, where he posted a near-nation-leading 17.2% offensive rebounding rate, Johnson Jr. tracks the ball beautifully. He establishes deep paint position, flips possessions, and secures defensive windows cleanly.

Defensive…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/know-draft-prospect-morez-johnson-220000057.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-06-16 22:00:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.