Michigan sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. announces 2026 NBA draft decision

Michigan sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. declared on Tuesday via social media that he will enter the 2026 NBA draft, ending his college basketball career early. The 6-foot-10 forward, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 62.3% from the field this season. He ranked 12th nationally in box plus-minus (plus-11.8) and 16th in offensive rating (135.4). Johnson played a key role in Michigan’s second national championship this past season, serving as a defensive anchor and starting all 40 games alongside Elliot Cadeau and Nimari Burnett. His physical tools—including a 7-foot-3.5-inch wingspan, 250.6 pounds, and elite defensive instincts—have NBA scouts projecting him as a mid-first-round pick. At the NBA draft combine, he showcased his versatility with the fifth-fastest lane agility time (10.59 seconds) and the third-longest hand length (9.5 inches). Johnson also demonstrated a developing three-point shot, converting 17 of 25 attempts in the combine’s 3-point star drill. His defensive versatility, length, and shot-making progress have positioned him as a high-upside prospect. Scouts expect him to refine his game further in team workouts and interviews before the 2026 draft. The decision to enter the draft was widely anticipated after his strong combine performance. Johnson will now focus on maximizing his draft stock before being selected, likely in the mid-first round, where teams value his defensive potential and improving offensive skills.