Morez Johnson Jr. has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in college basketball, but it isn’t just his strong rebounding or elite two-way skills on the hardwood that have people talking.
In sports, a famous last name often carries the weight of a legacy. When Morez debuted for the Illinois Fighting Illini in 2024, speculation among fans about his surname flew, with some believing there was a biological link to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
With a shared surname and a winning DNA that led Michigan to contention for a National title in 2026, the theory was understandable, yet the reality of his lineage is entirely different.
The Truth About Morez Johnson Jr.’s Family Tree
Despite sharing a similar surname and elite basketball IQ, Morez Johnson Jr. is not biologically related to NBA HOFer Magic Johnson. Morez was born to Morez Johnson Sr. and Natasha Jones on January 25, 2006, and was raised in Riverdale, Illinois.
Both of his parents have been heavily involved and continuously encouraged him. Morez “credits his father and former St. Rita coach Roshawn Russell as the people who have most influenced his basketball career.”
Morez advanced from a top-30 national recruit at Thornton Township High School to collegiate star. Debuted with Illinois in 2024, then transferred to Michigan in 2025. With the Wolverines, he’s averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 62.1% shooting this season.
Whereas Magic Johnson’s children, Andre, EJ, and Elisa, have made their own marks in fashion and business. With none of his kids pursuing a career in high-level college basketball, Morez Jr.’s situation is nothing but purely coincidental.
Morez Johnson Jr. and Wolverines Advance to 2026 NCAA Finals
Though Morez Johnson Jr. isn’t related to Magic Johnson, his numbers would impress any basketball veteran. As a high school senior in 2023-24, he averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, leading the Wildcats to a 25-9 record.
Standing 6’9″ with a massive wingspan, Morez’s addition to Michigan’s rotation has proven to be very beneficial. The Wolverines defeated the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four by 91–73 on April 4.
Aday Mara came out as the game’s highest scorer with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists on 11-of-16 shooting. Morez also contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 3-of-7 from the floor and 4-of-4 from deep.
The Wolverines will face the Connecticut Huskies on Monday, April 7, for the National Championship title. This will be their 8th appearance in an NCAA championship final, and they’ll be looking to increase the win tally to 2.
