As Illinois gears up to face Michigan on Friday night, there's more at stake than just a spot in the win column. The Illini are eyeing a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and a victory over the Wolverines could be crucial in securing that top spot.
However, the game carries an emotional weight beyond tournament implications. Morez Johnson Jr.'s return to Champaign is set to stir up some strong feelings.
Once a promising four-star recruit for Illinois, Johnson was expected to be a cornerstone for the team. During his freshman year, he showed promise with averages of 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
But in the ever-evolving landscape of NIL deals and transfer portals, Johnson made a surprising move to Michigan, leaving many Illinois fans taken aback. His departure was unexpected, especially for someone seen as a key part of the Illini's future.
Now, Johnson returns to his former home, donning Michigan's colors. Teammate Jake Davis, who shared the court with Johnson last season, offered his thoughts on the situation.
"I think he’s going to hear it," Davis remarked about the crowd's likely reaction. "Nothing against Morez, but it’ll be good for him to see what could have been.
It’ll be fun."
Davis, along with Ben Humrichous, Kylan Boswell, and Tomislav Ivisic, will reunite with Johnson in what promises to be an electrifying matchup at the State Farm Center.
Johnson's game has evolved since his Illinois days. Defensively, he's maintained his prowess, with a slight uptick in blocks from 1.1 to 1.2 per game.
His rebounding has seen a modest increase, from 6.7 to 7.3 per game. However, it's his offensive game that has truly blossomed.
Averaging seven more minutes per game at Michigan, Johnson has boosted his scoring by 6.3 points per game. His improved offensive skills, particularly around the rim and at the free-throw line, have made a significant impact.
His free throw percentage has jumped from 61.8% at Illinois to an impressive 79.4% with Michigan. Keeping him off the line will be crucial for Illinois.
As the Illini prepare for this pivotal clash, the return of Morez Johnson Jr. adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter.