First Look: Illinois Freshman Morez Johnson Jr. Already Erasing Shots

The athletic, 6-foot-9 forward immediately shows his dynamic rim-protection skills

Illinois freshman Morez Johnson Jr., the 2023-24 IHSA Mr. Basketball and a national five-star recruit, immediately began showing his ability in the Illini's season opener against Eastern Illinois on Monday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. / University of Illinois

Illinois five-star freshman Morez Johnson Jr.’s rim-protection and shot-blocking ability was a topic that received much discussion leading into the 2024-25 season, which the Illini tipped off against Eastern Illinois on Monday at the State Farm Center.

And for good reason.

Johnson, the reigning Illinois Mr. Basketball, averaged 3.4 blocks as a senior in high school last season. But college basketball is a different level, right?

Maybe for some.

After checking into the game early, Johnson made his shot-blocking presence quickly felt. 

With the Illini down 11-10 minutes into the game, Panthers guard Nakyel Shelton took a pass on the perimeter and got a step on Illinois forward Ben Humrichous. Johnson recognized it, slipped off his man, dropped into the paint and rose up to erase a floater attempt from Shelton.

This block from @IlliniMBB's Morez Johnson is 😳#B1GMBBall on @BigTenPlus 💻 pic.twitter.com/E1M6x99IFI

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) November 5, 2024

The Illini, frequently in defensive drop coverage, are challenging the Panthers to make mid-range shots. With Johnson (so far) getting plenty of run and patrolling inside, opponents who consider attacking the basket on Illinois may begin second-guessing themselves.

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