Sophomore big man Morez Johnson Jr., fresh off helping the University of Michigan capture last month’s NCAA championship, has decided to stay in the 2026 NBA Draft, representatives from CAA Basketball told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
“I am excited to chase my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. Every stop along my journey has prepared me for this moment, and I’m extremely grateful,” Johnson said in a statement released by his agents.
The 20-year-old impressed team personnel at the recent draft combine, measuring 6-foot-9, 251 pounds with a 7-foot-3.5 wingspan and an 8-foot-11 standing reach. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported that Johnson also excelled in shooting drills, boosting his stock into the middle of the first round; Woo’s latest mock draft pegs him at No. 17 overall.
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports likewise projects the Oklahoma City Thunder to select Johnson at No. 17, though he notes the organization could explore trading the pick for future assets. Scouts describe Johnson as a versatile, high-level defender.
Johnson began his college career at Illinois in 2024-25, where he averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 17.6 minutes over 30 games. Transferring to Michigan for the 2025-26 season, the forward/center boosted his production to 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 25.6 minutes across 40 contests, while raising his free-throw accuracy from 61.8 percent to 78.2 percent.
By remaining in the draft, Johnson forgoes any remaining college eligibility and looks to secure a spot in the first round on June’s draft night.
Source: Hoops Rumors
