Basketball
Future Illinois Basketball Big Man Dominates First Weekend of 2024

Illinois Basketball Big Man Dominates First Weekend of 2024
Illinois Basketball has a good one coming their way. Morez Johnson Jr is the best player in the state of Illinois and is arguably one of the top big men in the entire country. Johnson has remained committed to Illinois Basketball and signed his letter of intent to join the Illini for the 2024-2025 season. In the summer of 2023, Morez absolutely dominated the Nike EYBL circuit. Without a doubt, the Big man has continued his strong play from the summer over to his senior year. During the first weekend of 2024, Morez carried his team to a 2-0 record over in-state rivals, Metamora and Richmond Heights. Johnson Jr averaged 19 ppg, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals through those two games.
That is a dominant stat line for a prospect who appears to be gaining some versatility.
Not talked about enough so we’ll just do the talking for him.
2024 Morez Johnson Jr. (@morezjohnsonJr ) continues to answer. Coming off a 2-0 weekend over two defending state championship teams (Richmond Heights / Metamora)
Averaged
19 PPG
9 RPG
3 SPG
3 BPG this weekend#TTHS pic.twitter.com/selrO5kEUY— Thornton Township HS Boys Basketball 🏀 (@ThorntonBBall) January 8, 2024
Future Success with the Illini
Without a doubt, Morez Johnson will be one of the focal points on the team that starts the 2024 season. In the first year of what will be a newer era for Illinois, Johnson projects as one of the most talented prospects. If Ty Rodgers, Sencire Harris, and Luke Goode all choose to return, Johnson will be a strong compliment to those veteran players. Without Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier, the frontcourt of the Illini has a lot of open opportunities in 2024. Morez Johnson and Amani Hansberry would team up to be a very high-motor and skilled tandem.
If Illinois can put talented perimeter play around their future frontcourt, the future is bright for Illinois Basketball.
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