It has been a tumultuous last few days for Illinois basketball. With freshman center Morez Johnson Jr. Opting to leave Champaign via the transfer portal last Friday, the Fighting Illini may tab Johnson Jr. As public enemy No. 1 next season, depending on where he plays.
According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Johnson Jr. Winding up at a Big Ten rival of Illinois next season is more likely than not. Rothstein reported Monday morning Johnson Jr. Had gotten intel from 17 different schools.
These include seven Big Ten teams, six of which Illinois beat this past season, and the SEC's Arkansas Razorbacks. During its nonconference portion, Illinois handled the Razorbacks on Thanksgiving Day 90-77.
The most intriguing landing spot for Johnson Jr. Might end up being Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines, even though Johnson Jr.'s former team went to Ann Arbor and dominated in every aspect to walk away with a 93-73 win.
There could already be an added dose of animosity on the side of Johnson Jr. Whatever disappointments he might have had with Brad Underwood and the rest of the coaching staff could be put to rest with a dominant showing, or the inverse could also be true.
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Whatever the case, Johnson Jr.'s recruitment is one to watch as the off-season transfer portal blitz begins a week from Tuesday.
For now, though, only time will tell.
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