Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. Shines at the FIBA U19 World Cup
One of Michigan’s most overlooked transfer portal additions this spring was 6’8″ big man Morez Johnson Jr., who joined the program from Illinois. After a promising 2024-25 season with the Illini, where he averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block across 30 games, Johnson was selected to represent Team USA at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. While fans entered the tournament more focused on names like AJ Dybantsa, Koa Peat, Mikel Brown Jr., and Brandon McCoy, Johnson’s play has been a welcome surprise.
In Team USA’s opening group stage matchup on Saturday, Johnson posted a remarkable stat line of 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 steals, and 10 blocks. He played a pivotal role in limiting a high-powered Australian offense that featured multiple NBA-caliber prospects, including Dash Daniels, the brother of Dyson Daniels. His athleticism, energy, and physical interior presence stood out on both ends of the floor. Although Johnson didn’t replicate those numbers in the following group games against France (Sunday) and Cameroon (Tuesday), his upside was clearly on display.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 college season, Michigan fans have plenty of reason for optimism. Head coach Dusty May landed an impressive portal class that includes the nation’s No. 1 transfer, power forward Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB. Lendeborg is a three-level scorer with the tools to become a dominant two-way presence. Michigan also added Spanish center Aday Mara, who transferred from UCLA. At 7’3″, Mara brings a rare blend of size, skill, and feel, with the ability to score on the block and facilitate from the post. Together, Lendeborg, Mara, and Johnson form one of the most intriguing frontcourts in college basketball and could very well exceed the production of Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, who were recently selected by the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, respectively.
With Coach May entering his second year at the helm, expectations are rising in Ann Arbor. Johnson’s standout play at the U19 World Cup offers a preview of the impact he could make this season. If his development continues on this trajectory, Michigan may not only have a key contributor for a deep tournament run but also a future NBA Draft pick in the making.
Aidan Sen
Michigan Recruiting Insider