Morez Johnson Jr. declares for NBA draft, maintains college eligibility

Earlier this month, Michigan defeated UConn successful the NCAA men’s hoops nationalist title game. Shortly aft the Wolverines captured the program's archetypal rubric since 1989, Michigan guardant Morez Johnson Jr. announced helium volition participate the NBA Draft.

Despite declaring for the NBA Draft, Johnson has maintained his NCAA eligibility passim the process. However, helium has until May 27 to retreat if helium plans to instrumentality for his inferior season. Johnson played astatine Illinois during the 2024-25 play earlier transferring to Michigan past offseason.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. walks connected the tribunal against UConn astatine Lucas Oil Stadium successful Indianapolis, Indiana, connected April 6, 2026. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated)

After joining Michigan, Johnson rapidly emerged arsenic a cardinal contributor, averaging the second-most points connected the team. He besides led the Wolverines successful rebounding, averaging 7.3 per game.

Michigan’s caput manager Dusty May yet dubbed Johnson "The Enforcer" and "Junkyard Dog," a motion to his tenacity connected the antiaircraft end. Johnson was named to the Big Ten's All-Defensive Team.

RANKING THE TOP 20 PLAYERS IN THE MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TRANSFER PORTAL

But Johnson’s violative prowess didn’t instrumentality a backmost spot to his antiaircraft strengths. His shooting from beyond the 3-point enactment showed improvements arsenic the play progressed.

Morez Johnson Jr. of the Michigan Wolverines cuts down the nett aft defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 successful the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA men's hoops tourney astatine Lucas Oil Stadium successful Indianapolis, Indiana, connected April 6, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Many aboriginal NBA projections gave Johnson a first-round grade. It’s unclear however overmuch name, representation and likeness (NIL) compensation helium would bid if helium returns to Michigan oregon transfers elsewhere.

Johnson has been progressive connected societal media, interacting with teammates arsenic they see returning to Michigan for different title push.

Morez Johnson Jr. of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates aft scoring successful the 2nd fractional against the UConn Huskies during the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament astatine Lucas Oil Stadium successful Indianapolis, Indiana, connected April 6, 2026. (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Michigan added a cardinal portion this week, with Jalen Reed transferring from LSU, On3 reported. Reed was constricted during the 2025-26 play by an Achilles injury.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.