During Michigan basketball’s national championship celebration at Crisler Center last month, the crowd chanted “One more year!” to Morez Johnson Jr.
The fans won’t get their wish.
Johnson announced in a social media post Tuesday that he’s staying in the NBA Draft and leaving the Wolverines after one memorable season.
“You want to be somewhere that pushes you, supports you and helps you grow on and off the court. Michigan gave me all of that,” Johnson wrote in his farewell post. “From Day One, Coach (Dusty) May talked about development, accountability and competing for championships. I’m proud of everything we accomplished together. To my teammates, Coach May, the staff, academic support, teach and friends — thank you.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to chase my dream of playing in the NBA. Every step of this journey has helped prepare me for this moment, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of it. Go Blue forever!”
The 6-foot-9 sophomore forward entered the draft last month while maintaining his college eligibility, keeping the door open for a potential return. But that possibility seemed unlikely after his draft stock improved following a strong showing at last week’s NBA Draft Combine.
Heading into the combine, Johnson was viewed as a late first-round pick. After excelling in the physical measurements, athletic testing and drills at the pre-draft showcase, he’s climbed in most mock drafts and is projected to be a top-20 pick.
Before his standout performance at the combine, Johnson played a key role in helping Michigan capture its first national championship since 1989. As a full-time starter, he averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 62.3% from the field.
Beyond the box score, Johnson brought plenty of toughness and a physical style of play. As the team’s “junkyard dog,” he did the dirty work and was a versatile defender who could effectively guard out of the perimeter. He also expanded his offensive game at Michigan, shooting 34.3% from 3-point range after not attempting a single shot beyond the arc as a freshman at Illinois.
Johnson is one of three Wolverines who is expected to be drafted in the first round of June’s draft, with Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara both pegged as lottery picks. His departure leaves another hole for May to fill on the roster, though Michigan has already replenished the frontcourt by adding transfers Moustapha Thiam (Cincinnati), J.P. Estrella (Tennessee) and Jalen Reed (LSU).
Last week, May said Michigan has one spot remaining on the roster and the team was in wait-and-see mode with Johnson, who needed to make a difficult stay-or-go decision before the May 27 deadline. On Tuesday, Johnson made up his mind and is moving on.
“Michigan means everything to me,” Johnson wrote. “I’ll always be proud to be a Michigan Wolverine.”
jhawkins@detroitnews.com
@jamesbhawkins
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Morez Johnson Jr. staying in NBA Draft, leaving Michigan after one season
Reporting by James Hawkins, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
