Morez Johnson Jr. is an athletic right-handed big who can play either center or power forward, especially if the shooting from deep continues to improve. Johnson was an important part of the puzzle in Michigan’s National Championship season. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocked shots per game while shooting 62.3% from the field. At 6'9" with a 7'3.5" wingspan and 251 pounds, Johnson has NBA positional size as a four or a five. He made 34.3% of his three-point shots, though the volume was low at just 35 attempts in 1004 minutes. The free throw improvement was more encouraging. Johnson raised his free throw percentage to 78.2% this season after shooting 61.8% in 2024-25. He also finished second in the Big Ten in true shooting percentage at 67.7%. Johnson did have more turnovers than assists in both college seasons, so the decision-making still needs to improve. Still, his physical tools, efficiency, and activity are very appealing. He seals his man well in the post, uses his muscular shoulders to move opponents, makes timely cuts, runs the floor, and finishes well at the rim. He also has big hands, tying for the biggest hand length among players who stayed in the draft. Defensively, Johnson was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. His DDiff was plus 1.4, and his mobility tested extremely well for a big. He posted the fourth-fastest lane agility time at the NBA Draft Combine and was the best among players considered bigs. Johnson also jumped a 39" max vertical. He rebounds in traffic and outside his area. Johnson did not miss any games, playing in all 40 Michigan contests. He finished fifth in Big Ten box score plus/minus. We feel the best is yet to come. Johnson has a high ceiling, and we view him as a potential top-tier big in the NBA. We foresee him being chosen late in the lottery.
