Freshman Morez Johnson got the opportunity to represent his country before even arriving at the University of Illinois this fall.
Johnson has been named to the USA Basketball Men’s U-18 National Team. He is one of 12 players selected to the squad. The AmeriCup will take place June 3-9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The 6-foot-9 Johnson was named Illinois Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year after his senior year at Thornton Township High School. Last season, he averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals while leading his team to a 25-9 record.
He was ranked as a top 30 rookie by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports.
Concerns for Team USA
Illinois Fighting Illini five-star commit Jeremiah Fears will be taking his talents to Team USA this summer as a member of the U18 group.
Fiers announced his decision on Instagram Tuesday morning with the caption “honored and blessed.” He’s no stranger to playing for the U.S. national team, having won gold medals at the 2022 FIBA U-17 World Cup and the 2021 FIBA Americas U-16 Championship.
The AZ Compass High School junior was a key factor in the team’s 20-5 record this season. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 14.2 points and 2.5 steals in 13 games.
Illinois sends Lithuanian troops ashore
The Illinois Fighting Illini have reportedly acquired another NBA talent.
ESPN reported that the University of Illinois has received a verbal commitment from Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jaksionis. The 6-foot-6 Jaksionis is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Shandel Richardson is publisher of Illini Now and can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com.
