Good Morning, Illini Nation: Morez Johnson makes USA Basketball debut
Apr. 14—Future Illinois big man Morez Johnson Jr. made his USA Basketball debut Saturday in Portland, Ore., at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. The Thornton senior and recently named Illinois Mr. Basketball came off the bench for the U.S. team in a 98-75 victory against the World team.
Johnson finished the 23-point victory with eight points on 3 of 4 shooting to go with four rebounds and one blocked shot. The 6-foot-9 big man tied with Texas-bound guard Tre Johnson for the best plus/minus on the team with a plus-20.
Future Duke forward Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2024, led the U.S. with 19 points. Georgia signee Asa Newell had 17, and future Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey had 14 points apiece.
A.J. Dybantsa Jr. led the World team with 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. The No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2025 has an Illinois offer. Canadian Will Riley, another 2025 prospect also on the Illini's board, had four points off the bench.
