STRENGTHS:
Very good inside scorer; 66% on 2s, 73% at the rim on 12 rim attempts per 100 possessions, positions himself well as a lob threat. Good hands to catch everything, good footwork and use of pumpfakes to create good looks for himself at the rim
Efficient play finisher; his physical brand of basketball allows and his role allowed for him to play within himself. Ranked in the 81st percentile in scoring on cuts, 96th in posts ups, 71st as a roll man and on putbacks, 94th in transition. Patient inside the arc scorer
Physical brand of basketball makes him a threat as a screener in any area; good space to ball handlers to operate with and sealing off defenders well to make himself available for potential easy buckets
71st percentile on putbacks is a tell for his high motor on the offensive rebounds; 2.5 rebonds per game, 12.8% offensive rebounding rate (87th percentile), crashes well
High motor is present in his defensive ability; strong defender and physique (6'9", 7'4" wingspan, 251 lbs.), combined with fluid hips and quick movements allows for him to mirror players 1-5, even picking up full-court, and play any defensive pick and roll coverage with him. Excels as a weakside rim protector (1.1 blocks per game). Infectious energy in the way he plays defense
WEAKNESSES:
Very little self-creation flashes; about 70% of his points were assisted, mainly with dump-offs, pick and rolls and on fast breaks. Doesn't project to be a top option offensively
Doesn't project to be much of a playmaker, had a few moments of middle-man decision-making but otherwise, low counting stats (1.2 assists to 1.3 turnovers) and only an 8.4% assist rate. If anything, he will likely be a dribble hand-off playmaker
Shooting is only theoretical at this moment, low volume at Michigan after shooting zero 3s at Illinois. He is also not a mid-range person either (34% on 2.8 attempts per 100 possessions). Improving, fun upside, but not a strength
Defensive ability is great; would just like for the production to be a bit higher in the counting stats; 1.1 blocks, 0.7 steals per game, 1.5% steal rate and 4.8% block rate
Summary: Morez Johnson Jr. continues the trend of transfer success stories this season, cementing himself as a key cog on a championship winning Michigan team with his finishing, defensive switchability, and motor. He is best used as a play finisher, catching lobs and running the break with easy finishes at the rim. He flashed solid 3-point shooting and good shooting mechanics on low volume, which would change the trajectory of his career if he was able to add a spot-up 3 to his scoring arsenal. He is fluid running on the court on both ends of the floor, and while he does not and likely will not have the ability to do much off the dribble, him being a consistent play finisher at the rim, setting good screens and potentially spacing the floor is a role player that teams will covet. More importantly than anything, he is a fun defensive prospect. His continued fluid motion and ability makes for really fun perimeter possessions, and while his physicality may get the best of him and not the most ideal size in the world, he checks out really well defensively. Johnson looks the part as a great complement to star players, and should garner serious attention from late lottery teams.
Player Comparison: Shades of Isaiah Stewart and Precious Achiuwa
Best Fits: Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs