Chambana Sun

Incoming Fighting Illini freshman Morez Johnson Jr. has been chosen to participate in the 2024 USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team training camp. The event is scheduled to start on May 23 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Johnson, a power forward standing 6-foot-9-inches tall and weighing 225 pounds, will compete with top players from the graduating classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026. They are all aiming for a position on the team that will represent USA Basketball at the Men's U18 AmeriCup in Buenos Aires, Argentina from June 3-9.

Hailing from Riverdale, Illinois, Johnson was honored as the 2024 Illinois Mr. Basketball and Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year after his senior year at Thornton Township High School. During this time, he averaged impressive statistics: 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three steals per game while leading his team to a record of 25-9. He committed to play for Illinois last November and is ranked as the top player in his state. Nationally recognized as a top-30 recruit, he holds four-star ratings from Rivals (26), On3 (28), ESPN (28), and 247Sports (29).

Previously part of the USA Men's Junior National Select Team in April this year, Johnson contributed eight points, four rebounds, and one block during their victory over the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit's silver anniversary event. His involvement with USA Basketball includes participation in last October's Junior National Team minicamp and attending training camp for the Men's U17 National Team in 2022.