Morez Johnson Jr. declares for NBA draft but could return

Michigan basketball has had a busy afternoon, with the announcement that Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam is transferring to the Wolverines, while another prominent name has also appeared to have made at least a semblance of a decision.

The maize and blue have hoped dramatically that starting forward Morez Johnson Jr. could return to Ann Arbor for his junior campaign, but his star has risen following the Wolverines' national championship run. There have been a lot of indications that he could come back for another year, but until now, there have been no indications as to what he might do.

On Friday, within minutes of Thiam's announcement of his commitment, Jon Rothstein revealed that Johnson is declaring for the NBA draft, but with the caveat that he's retaining his intercollegiate eligibility, and could return to Ann Arbor for another year.

The incoming transfers certainly indicate that Michigan has contingencies, but it shouldn't dissuade Johnson from returning, given that he's an entrenched starter. By entering the NBA draft, he can participate in the NBA scouting combine and get an assessment as to where he would likely be selected, and then make his decision from there. Michigan has reportedly worked diligently to lure him back with an NIL package that could make a return to Ann Arbor lucrative.

Aside from Johnson, Michigan has lost Winters Grady and Malick Kordel via the transfer portal, and Yaxel Lendeborg, Nimari Burnett, and Will Tschetter to graduation. Elliot Cadeau and are set to return. is expected to enter the NBA draft.