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Michigan's Morez Johnson Declares for NBA Draft

5/20/2026

Summary

Morez Johnson Declares

U.S. Morez Johnson Jr. announced May 19, 2026, he will stay in the NBA Draft, leaving Michigan.
At the Chicago combine, Johnson measured 6-foot-9, 250 lb, a 7-foot-3½-inch wingspan and was fourth-fastest in lane agility among forwards.
He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3 % in Michigan’s title season.
Johnson earned All-Big Ten first-team, All-Defensive team and second-team All-Big Ten honors and ranked No. 13 nationally in true shooting percentage.
Dusty May will add transfers Moustapha Thiam, J.P. Estrella and Jalen Reed, and rely on returning guards Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney and five-star freshman Brandon McCoy 2027.

Summary

Johnson Draft Decision

Johnson must decide by May 27, 11:59 p.m. ET whether to stay in the NBA Draft or return to Michigan.
Aday Mara entered the draft but has not confirmed his plans while Elliot Cadeau has withdrawn.
Assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. said the roster is fluid and the staff will adjust as players arrive.
Michigan’s preseason loss to Cincinnati, overtime with St. John’s, and Lendeborg’s benching against Wake Forest raised lineup questions.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, after the NBA lottery on May 22, the Cleveland Cavaliers used the first overall pick to select high-school phenom LeBron James, the second high-school player ever taken No. 1. The draft featured a record 31 international early-entry candidates and 41 U.S. prospects, reshaping expectations for high-school entrants and influencing later college decisions such as Michigan’s 2026 prospect.

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Morez Johnson Declares

U.S. Morez Johnson Jr. announced May 19, 2026, he will stay in the NBA Draft, leaving Michigan.
At the Chicago combine, Johnson measured 6-foot-9, 250 lb, a 7-foot-3½-inch wingspan and was fourth-fastest in lane agility among forwards.
He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3 % in Michigan’s title season.
Johnson earned All-Big Ten first-team, All-Defensive team and second-team All-Big Ten honors and ranked No. 13 nationally in true shooting percentage.
Dusty May will add transfers Moustapha Thiam, J.P. Estrella and Jalen Reed, and rely on returning guards Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney and five-star freshman Brandon McCoy 2027.

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