NEW YORK – Former Michigan Wolverines standout Morez Johnson Jr. didn’t think he’d be playing for Dusty May again anytime soon. Then the Dallas Mavericks called his name.
The Mavericks selected Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday night, reuniting the 6’9” forward with the coach who guided Michigan to a national championship before leaving for the NBA.
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“I was insanely shocked when I seen Dusty going to be the coach of the Mavs,” Johnson said after being drafted. “I did not see it coming at all. And now for him to be my coach again, I’m excited. I’m ecstatic.”
Johnson said the chance to follow May to Dallas adds meaning to the transition after a season that ended with a title.
“It’s insane,” Johnson Jr. said. “We just won a national championship together. I can’t wait to get there and go to work with him again and ultimately win again.”
Dallas is betting Johnson Jr.’s high-energy, two-way game will translate quickly.
He emerged as one of the Big Ten’s most consistent frontcourt contributors during Michigan’s championship run and earned a reputation as a physical defender and relentless rebounder.
Johnson Jr. averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 25.1 minutes per game.
He was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team and received second-team All-Big Ten recognition from media members and third-team honors from league coaches.
He also earned a spot on the NCAA All-Tournament Team.
Johnson Jr. said defense will remain a focal point under May in Dallas.
“Coach Dusty had us very close last year,” Johnson Jr. said. “That was the closest team I ever been a part of. And I know Coach May is going to focus on defense and bringing defense to the Mavs.”
Johnson Jr. pointed to Michigan’s identity on that end as a blueprint.
He also said he’s looking forward to sharing the floor with fellow young star Cooper Flagg.
“I think it can get dangerous with us two on the floor at the same time,” Johnson said. “I’ve been playing against Coop for a very long time. I’m very excited and happy that I’m on the same side as him, getting some wins together.”
Johnson Jr. said he’s known Flagg for years through AAU and youth competitions, and he celebrated seeing several Michigan teammates drafted as well.
“It’s crazy. I’m so happy for those guys,” Johnson Jr. said. “We talked about this during the season. We got our ultimate goal done of winning the national championship, and we just got drafted together.”
For Johnson Jr., the night capped a season that ended with a championship and a top-10 selection and set up an immediate reunion with the coach he credited for building a winning culture.
“All the hard work pays off,” Johnson Jr. said. “I’m proud of my brothers, and I’m very excited to see what our future has for us.”