By Larry Smith - Co-Host & Executive Producer, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

February 17, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - An Illini Nation still reeling from a crushing Saturday night home loss to Michigan State was delivered more bad news Monday afternoon by Brad Underwood.

The eighth-year Illinois coach confirming that freshman power forward Morez Johnson Jr. is out indefinitely with a broken left wrist.

"He broke his wrist on that elite blocked shot that he made," said Underwood. "He was tough enough to just bounce up and say 'tape it'."

The play happened with 7:47 in the game when Johnson jumped up and blocked Tre Holloman's fastbreak layup attempt. He landed awkwardly on the floor after the play, but stayed in the game. He finished with 17 points and five rebounds, but did not score again in the game.

Underwood added that the 6-foot-9, 240-pound freshman is in a cast and no timeline at this point.

Johnson's averaged 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds a game, but has upped his scoring to nearly 10 points per outing since entering the starting lineup eight games ago. His absence comes at a crucial time, with the Illini at 11th ranked Wisconsin tomorrow night and taking on No. 3 Duke Saturday night in New York City.

"We'll find out," said Underwood when asked who will fill his role. "(Former starting forward) Tre White's back and healthy. (Carey) Booth and all those guys will have to give us some opportunities."