The athletic, 6-foot-9 forward immediately shows his dynamic rim-protection skills
Illinois five-star freshman Morez Johnson Jr.’s rim-protection and shot-blocking ability was a topic that received much discussion leading into the 2024-25 season, which the Illini tipped off against Eastern Illinois on Monday at the State Farm Center.Johnson, the reigning Illinois Mr. Basketball, averaged 3.4 blocks as a senior in high school last season. But college basketball is a different level, right?After checking into the game early, Johnson made his shot-blocking presence quickly felt.
With the Illini down 11-10 minutes into the game, Panthers guard Nakyel Shelton took a pass on the perimeter and got a step on Illinois forward Ben Humrichous. Johnson recognized it, slipped off his man, dropped into the paint and rose up to erase a floater attempt from Shelton.The Illini, frequently in defensive drop coverage, are challenging the Panthers to make mid-range shots.
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