Michigan basketball fans were holding out hope that Morez Johnson would return to the Wolverines next season, but that took a major hit on Friday as Johnson declared for the 2026 NBA draft.
Johnson didn't hire an agent, so he could still return to Michigan next season. It's smart to go through the process, even if you aren't expected to be a first-round pick.
However, some recent reporting suggested that Johnson was going to declare for the draft. Now that it has happened, I wouldn't expect him to return.
Johnson could certainly come back. If he isn't guaranteed to be a first-round pick, it would probably be smart to return. Yet, the 6-foot-11 sophomore averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals, while shooting 62.3 percent. He also shot 34.3 percent from three on limited attempts.
Even though Johnson played just one season in Ann Arbor, he was vital in Michigan cutting down the nets for the first time since 1989. Johnson's offense improved a lot this past season, but his defense and rebounding are even more valuable.
Johnson was an intimidator in the paint. He also gave Michigan basketball the ability switch one through four, which makes him perfect for the NBA.
As far as the ramifications for next season, the Wolverines landed 7-foot-2 center Moustapha Thiam, who has massive upside. Michigan already landed 6-foot-11 forward/center J.P. Estrella from Tennessee. If Johnson wanted to come back, there is plenty of room.
That would be an elite frontcourt, but even just Thiam and Estrella should be better than most, especially if Dusty May can help them reach their full potential as he did with Aday Mara and Johnson.
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