Morez Johnson Jr. to remain in 2026 NBA Draft

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Michigan sophomore Morez Johnson Jr. will remain in the 2026 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility, his agents told ESPN.

Johnson also released this statement:

The 6-foot-9 big man announced his intentions to enter the NBA Draft last month, but had left the door at least open to a return. After a successful NBA Draft Combine — where he excelled in physical and athletic testing — Johnson is now officially staying in the draft.

When he declared for the draft, he was projected as a late first-round pick. As the process has played out, he’s continued to climb in most mock drafts and is projected as a potential top-20 pick or even better. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game as a sophomore, helping Michigan to a National Championship and Big Ten Championship.

The Wolverines had made it clear that they planned to leave the opportunity open for Johnson to return, but now that he’s officially staying in the draft they can investigate making final additions to the roster.

Johnson is one of three Wolverines expected to be drafted in the first round next month, with Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara both projected as lottery picks. The Wolverines lose eight players from last year’s title-winning roster. Three players to the draft, Will Tschetter, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle Jr. are out of eligibility, while Winters Grady and Malick Kordel opted to enter the transfer portal.

The Wolverines have also already landed a commitment from Tennessee big man JP Estrella, Cincinnati big man Moustapha Thiam and LSU forward Jalen Reed to replenish the frontcourt.