NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft , Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward’s draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 26 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Kalbrosky’s Analysis:
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA mens basketball national championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
See USA TODAY’s full mock draft 9.0 here
Morez Johnson Jr. player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
-
62.8 field goal percentage
-
37.9 three-point field goal percentage
Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land after March Madness
Read the full article here
