Scouting Report: What Michigan Fans Can Expect from Illinois Transfer Morez Johnson
The Michigan Wolverines have made another addition to their roster for the 2025-26 season, this time bringing in Morez Johnson, a former Illinois forward. This is the second transfer pickup for Michigan this offseason, following the addition of North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau. While Michigan has lost players like Tre Donaldson, Sam Walters, and Jace Howard to the transfer portal, the addition of Johnson provides much-needed size, especially with Vlad Goldin graduating and Danny Wolf possibly entering the NBA Draft.
Player Overview: Morez Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward, was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1 player in Illinois for the 2024 class. He played 30 games for Illinois last season, starting eight, and averaged 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in just under 18 minutes per game. He shot 64.2% from the field and 61.8% from the free-throw line, though he did not attempt any three-pointers.
Johnson had a career-high 20 points in a win over Penn State and also scored 17 points against Michigan State. He did not play in Illinois’ victory over Michigan due to a wrist injury.
Strengths and Play Style: Johnson is known for his physical, gritty style of play. He excels as a rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, where his 17.2% offensive rebound rate ranked among the best in the country. At his best, Johnson was considered one of the top rebounders in the nation, even ranking higher than players like Jaxon Kohler from Michigan State and Johni Broome from Auburn.
Defensively, Johnson is a strong rim protector and a dominant presence around the basket. He is an efficient scorer near the rim and a ferocious dunker, making him a constant threat in the paint. His high-energy play and relentless rebounding will likely make him a fan favorite at Michigan.
Although Johnson’s offensive game is still developing, he is primarily a traditional big man who operates in the paint and sets screens. His motor and rebounding ability will be crucial assets for Michigan moving forward.
Role at Michigan: With three years of eligibility remaining, Johnson could be a key part of Michigan’s frontcourt for the foreseeable future. As of now, he could slot into the starting center position for the 2025-26 season, alongside Will Tschetter, who provides more floor-spacing ability. Johnson’s presence could complement Tschetter’s skill set, creating an effective partnership.
If Michigan adds another more offensively skilled big man through the portal, Johnson may start as one of the first players off the bench. However, he could also be a regular starter against teams with smaller lineups.
In terms of the future, Johnson offers a lot of potential with his physical tools, and Michigan fans should expect him to be a key contributor on both ends of the floor for years to come.
Conclusion: The addition of Morez Johnson adds both immediate value and future potential to Michigan’s roster. His energy, rebounding, and physicality make him a perfect fit for the Wolverines, who are looking to strengthen their frontcourt for the upcoming season and beyond.
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