A key forward for the Illinois Fighting Irish is recovering from a broken wrist and is hoping to come back before the end of the season.
Illinois Forward Morez Johnson Injury Update
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Morez Johnson broke his wrist on Feb. 15 while blocking a shot against the Michigan State Spartans. No timetable was set for his return, but an injury update sparked a belief that he may be able to play before the season ends.
CBS Insider Jon Rothstein reported the news, saying “Illinois big man Morez Johnson (wrist) is out of a cast, per Brad Underwood. Still no set timetable on his return, but there should be a more firm update in a few days. Has not played since 2/15.”
Illinois big man Morez Johnson (wrist) is out of a cast, per Brad Underwood.
Still no set timetable on his return, but there should be a more firm update in a few days.
Has not played since 2/15.
Averages 7.2 PPG and 6.6 RPG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 6, 2025
Johnson, a four-star recruit, was the sixth-ranked center in the 2024 recruiting class. He received scholarship offers from the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns among others, but decided to stay home and compete for the Fighting Illini.
The freshman was having one of his best games of the season against the Spartans before he went down. His 17 points tied for the team lead, along with five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
At 6’9″, 225 pounds, Johnson provided Illinois with a versatile, athletic big man down low to mesh with the outside shooting capabilities of 7’1″ center Tomislav Ivisic. The four-star recruit had worked his way into the starting lineup prior to his injury.
In Johnson’s absence, the Fighting Illini lost their next two games before winning their previous two, including a 93-73 victory over 15th ranked Michigan Wolverines. One game remains on the schedule against the Purdue Boilermaker on Friday, Mar. 7.
KEEP READING: NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch
As it stands, Illinois is expected to hear their name called on Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament as they currently hold a 19-11 record prior to their final game and the Big Ten tournament.
While being out of the cast is good news, there’s still a process of strengthening his wrist and reconditioning before he’ll be active again — but if he is able to make it back before the season ends, it could prove significant for Illinois’ chances in the tournament.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
