​For Riverdale native Morez Johnson Jr. and his extensive circle of local supporters, the past several months have been nothing short of unforgettable. After helping Michigan clinch a national championship, the former Thornton standout—who also starred at St. Rita—now stands on the cusp of an NBA career, having secured a top-10 selection in the 2026 NBA draft. In a post-draft press conference, Johnson recalled a longtime dream he began pursuing in late elementary school. “In sixth or seventh grade, I set a goal and had a dream of coming to play in the NBA,” he said. “I felt like I’d be able to accomplish it by my sophomore or junior year of high school.” That goal became a reality on June 23, when the Dallas Mavericks drafted him ninth overall at the Barclays Center in New York, a moment that brought together his personal aspirations and a landmark professional opportunity.
Joining the Mavericks means reuniting with a familiar voice in Dusty May, Johnson’s former Michigan coach who had just accepted the head coaching job in Dallas a day before the draft. Johnson admitted that the moment of being selected by the Mavericks took him by surprise. “It was crazy,” he said. “I was not expecting that, especially with Dusty being here. I was truly caught off guard, but I’m truly blessed to be here, honored to be here and excited to be here.” The draft scene also held meaning for longtime supporters from Johnson’s past. St. Laurence’s head coach Roshawn Russell, who mentored him during his three years at St. Rita, traveled to New York for the occasion. “It was really special to see it come full circle,” Russell shared. “Being a part of his high school journey, watching him through college and being there for him however he needed us to show up for him and now to hear his name called and to celebrate with his entire family, it was special. It’s something that may never happen for me again. I hope it does, but if it doesn’t, I’ll definitely take this one. This was priceless.” Russell and his brother Rashay were also present at the Final Four on April 6 in Indianapolis, where Johnson and the Wolverines defeated UConn 69-63 in the national championship game. Johnson finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds, a performance that underscored the moment’s significance. “We held the trophy and all that,” Russell recalled. “I’ve had a very cool couple of months, that’s for sure. To watch Morez win a national championship and then be there for the draft, it’s been great. As much as I can, I try to be there to support him.”
Johnson’s journey to the NBA began with his college debut at Illinois before he transferred to Michigan last fall. He cemented his reputation during three standout seasons at St. Rita, then spent his senior year at his hometown Thornton High School. His impact at Thornton was substantial, contributing to a sectional title and earning the 2024 Mr. Basketball of Illinois honor. Those high school achievements remain a cornerstone of his story, illustrating the steady ascent from local legend to national contender.
As the Mavericks’ newest forward, Johnson will bring his size—standing 6-foot-9—and versatility to a team eager to integrate a player with a proven track record of success at multiple levels. The draft night mood in New York reflected the anticipation that had built within the Riverdale community and beyond: a local star finally stepping onto the biggest stage in basketball, ready to translate years of hard work, mentorship, and dream-chasing into a promising professional career. For Morez Johnson Jr., the journey from neighborhood courts to the NBA floor is not just about personal achievement; it’s a chapter of community pride, family support, and a shared belief that a young athlete from his corner of Illinois can reach the pinnacle of the sport.