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'Don't expect' Morez Johnson Jr. back at Michigan next year
TL;DR
Morez Johnson Jr., a key player for Michigan basketball, is likely to remain in the NBA Draft rather than return for the 2026-27 season. Sources suggest there is a 75% chance he will not be back at Michigan next year.
Key points
- Morez Johnson Jr. is a starting power forward for Michigan basketball.
- He is currently exploring his NBA Draft options in Los Angeles.
- Aday Mara is expected to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.
- There is a 75% chance Johnson will not return to Michigan next year.
- The Michigan staff is in daily contact with Johnson and his camp.
Morez Johnson Jr.Aday MaraMichigan basketball
As Michigan basketball navigates the transfer portal to put the finishing touches its 2026-27 roster, one starter from the national championship team remains in the balance.
Morez Johnson Jr., the starting power forward who finished on the All-Big Ten defensive team, has been in Los Angeles gathering intel about his potential NBA future. There's a wide expectation his frontcourt running mate, Aday Mara, will enter the 2026 NBA Draft after he laid out the factors in his decision earlier this month to the Free Press, but Johnson has seemed more likely to return.
But those hopes may be dwindling.
"Somewhere in the [range of], I would say 75% chance he stays in draft would be my guess," a person with knowledge of the situation told the Free Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday, April 22. "I don't expect him to be at Michigan next year, unfortunately."
The staff remains in constant contact with Johnson and his camp, as at least one member of the staff has spoken with Johnson every day since the season ended. This hasn't just been on the recruiting front but as "friends, mentors" as he remains in team-affiliated group chats.
ON THE MOVE: 2 Michigan basketball players transfer, stay in Big Ten
Johnson finished second on U-M scoring 13.1 points last season and led the program with 7.3 rebounds per game. He was one of three U-M players to play and start all 40 games for the Wolverines last season as he expanded his game in a variety of ways.
Johnson has commented on a few social media posts, like Mara's, where he said "ONE MORE YEAR," which has led to external hope that he would return. While no decision has been made on that front, behind the scenes, Michigan is preparing for life without Johnson.
"He's going through the process like he wants to stay in the NBA," the person told the Free Press. "But he's also, he knows this will be certainly be a great option for him if he wants to come back to college."
Q&A
What is the likelihood of Morez Johnson Jr. returning to Michigan basketball?
There is a 75% chance that Morez Johnson Jr. will remain in the NBA Draft and not return to Michigan.
Why is Morez Johnson Jr. considering the NBA Draft?
Morez Johnson Jr. is gathering information about his potential NBA future, which is influencing his decision to possibly stay in the draft.
Who are the key players for Michigan basketball in the 2026-27 season?
Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara are key players, with Mara expected to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.
How is Michigan basketball staff supporting Morez Johnson Jr. during this decision?
The Michigan basketball staff remains in constant contact with Johnson, providing support as friends and mentors throughout his decision-making process.