Illinois Basketball: Morez Johnson Jr. lands on Naismith watchlist

Illinois basketball has a superstar signee in Morez Johnson Jr., and now the superstar big man is getting more national love.

The Illini were able to snag a talented class of 2023 that featured a few players who are currently helping the program win games. I love what Niccolo Moretti brings to the table with true point guard attributes. Amani Hansberry has been looked to for big minutes early on in the paint. And Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is electric.

These three help form a solid foundation for the future. An exciting part about the future is that Illinois is about to fold in one of the best high school players in the country.

Johnson committed to Illinois back in November 2021. He put pen to paper just weeks ago and made it official that he is coming to Champaign. Locking in Johnson was huge for Brad Underwood and the coaching staff, and now the superstar big man is being eyed for one of the most prestigious high school awards in the country.

On Friday, the Naismith Awards social media account posted the Naismith Boys’ High School Player of the Year preseason watchlist. Johnson is on this list, and it would not shock me to see him as a finalist for the award when it is all said and done.

Illinois basketball signee Morez Johnson Jr. has a chance to continue rising in 2023-24.

After a great AAU season this past summer, Johnson is looked at as one of the best players in the country. Just on 247Sports alone, Johnson has gone from the No. 61 player in the class of 2024 back in March to the No. 35 player as of September 13.

I think this ranking will continue to rise too. Johnson is developing at a rapid pace, and when the high school season starts, look for Johnson to crack the top 30 players in the class of 2024 and, potentially, become a five-star recruit.

Johnson is already nominated for the McDonald’s All-American game, and when the final results come out, look for him to be a Burger Boy this season.

Underwood landing and keeping Johnson is something special. He is a recruit who will take the Illinois program from good to great. I can’t wait to get him in the building.