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Illinois Basketball: Top Illini recruiting targets at the Peach Jam

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 06: General view of Illinois Fighting Illini basketballs seen before the game against the IUPUI Jaguars at State Farm Center on December 6, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 06: General view of Illinois Fighting Illini basketballs seen before the game against the IUPUI Jaguars at State Farm Center on December 6, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 26: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Madison Square Garden on January 26, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

Morez Johnson Jr. – Meanstreets (EYBL)

Even if a recruit is committed to a program, that program shouldn’t take that for granted. Illinois needs to keep on Morez Johnson Jr. and reassure him at every turn that Champaign is the place to be.

Johnson is a 6-foot-9, 205-pound center from Thornton Township High School in Illinois. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 38 player in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 6 center in the country and the best player coming out of Illinois.

In June 2021, Johnson visited Illinois. In November 2021, he committed to the Illini. Since then, there has been zero wavering on his commitment, but that doesn’t mean Illinois can sit back and coast. Every team in the county wants Johnson, and we need to let him know he is our guy.

I think, over the next few months, there is a solid chance Johnson rises in the recruiting rankings and becomes a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. If he continues to put up numbers as he is in the Peach Jam, then there is no doubt a rise in the recruiting rankings is on the horizon.

Johnson has elevated his Meanstreets team to a 3-0 record on the back of some incredible performances. Through the three games, Johnson is averaging 18.7 points and a Peach Jam-high 14.7 rebounds per contest.

This past game against UPlay Canada, Johnson had his best game, putting up 26 points and 19 rebounds in the overtime victory. He is absolutely insane.

My hope is that Illinois continues to show Johnson that we are his best fit and that we add additional talent around him for 2024. I think there is a chance he is a one-and-done and is one of the best players to ever come through Champaign.

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