Illinois Basketball’s Morez Johnson Dominates Start of EYBL

Illinois Basketball’s Morez Johnson Dominates Start of EYBL.

Illinois Basketball’s current roster is going through a phase of uncertainty. Rumors about RayJ Dennis’s commitment to another school blasted the fanbase to start off the week. Terrence Shannon Jr and Coleman Hawkins also added workouts to their schedule. Though this is promising for the two Illini stars, Illinois fans could not help but worry that the worst case scenario for their team was about to happen. Regardless, decisions and timelines have to be played out. As painstakingly as this sounds, Illinois still has some life. Additionally, with the start of the EYBL circuit, there is one certainty.

Morez Johnson Jr is a stud, and Illinois will be welcoming a beast to their frontcourt in 2024.

A monster performance

Morez Johnson Jr committed to Illinois Basketball almost two years ago. As a Sophomore, Johnson Jr had no hesitation in committing to the Illini and has stayed Loyal. Morez’s game has developed strongly since then. He has maintained his top 50 status and just recently put up a very impressive performance in the beginning of the EYBL. Johnson Jr put up 25 points and 22 rebounds in a win against the NY Renaissance.

Morez has benefitted from a more open front court. The past years, he has played alongside high school teammate, James Brown. Though the two are talented, both share similar skillsets that end up clogging the paint. Since Brown has switched to Mokan Elite’s EYBL team, Johnson is enjoying the benefits of spacing. He also has been catching the eye of prominent NBA scouts.

Morez Johnson really standing out on the defensive end this morning for MeanStreets

Hedging ball screens, low/wide stance, physical in post, deflections, blocks…

Big man is committed to Illinois in 2024.

@NikeEYB pic.twitter.com/4nR4ixscJq

— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) May 27, 2023

Morez will fit in seamlessly with the 2024 Illini squad.

Regardless of what happens the next few weeks, Illinois Basketball will not have Coleman Hawkins and Terrence Shannon to start the 2024 season. Looking ahead to that roster, Johnson will fit in seamlessly to the role that Hawkins had. Johnson will play alongside Amani Hansberry in what will be an intriguing front court. The Chicago native has the length, athleticism and defensive prowess to compliment Hansberry’s growing perimeter game and rebounding expertise. Johnson Jr. and Hansberry would be the perfect mix of skill and revved up motor.

Since Kofi Cockburn arrived at Illinois, they have successfully recruited front court players. Though they may need some help immediately if Hawkins stays in the draft, they have some exciting prospects joining the roster. If they can find a lead guard to put it all together, Illinois will have quite the roster moving forward.