NBA DRAFT

June 23, 2026

Morez Johnson Jr.

Q. What was your reaction the other day when you saw Dusty May left Michigan to go to Dallas, and now to get drafted by him, how surreal was that?

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: Thank you. I was insanely shocked when I saw Dusty was going to be coach of the Mavs. I did not see it coming at all. And now for him to be my coach again, I'm excited. I'm excited.

It's insane. 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.

Q. Go Blue.

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: Go Blue.

Q. I heard you earlier calling out, the Michigan Mavs are ready. What are you going to take bringing that Michigan National Championship team, what is that chemistry you can bring to the Dallas Mavericks with the coach?

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: Coach Dusty had us very close last year. That was the closest team I ever been a part of. Coach May is going to focus on defense and bringing defense to the Mavs. We were the No. 1 defensive team in the country last year. So I can't wait to lock in with my brothers.

Q. How do you feel about hooking up with Cooper Flagg and what kind of things are you guys capable of?

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: I think it can get dangerous, us two on the court at the same time. 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. Get some wins together.

Have I known him before the draft? Yeah, yeah. We're the same age. Played AAU and stuff like that.

Q. How do you feel about some of your other Michigan guys getting drafted after you?

MOREZ JOHNSON JR.: It's crazy. I'm so happy for those guys. We talked about it during the season. We got our ultimate goal of winning the National Championship and we just got drafted together, all lottery picks. I'm proud of my brothers, and I'm very excited to see what our future has for us.