Every so often this daily update bring up college basketball. These occurrences have only really happened for big time players and key performances.
The most recent goes player that needs to be brought up is Illinois freshman forward out of Riverdale (Il.), Morez Johnson Jr.
During high school, Johnson was a standout at St. Rita before heading over to Thornton to play for Tai Streets- his AAU coach at Meanstreets.
Johnson averaged 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals while leading the Wildcats to a 25-9 record his senior year. He was easily one of the best, if not the best player in the state of Illinois.
His play on the court earned him several honors which included 2024 Illinois Mr. Basketball, Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, and Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, and Champaign News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year following his senior season at Thornton Township High School.
He seems to have found a home at Illinois.
Johnson has yet make a start but has played well at Illinois for Coach Brad Underwood.
And if he continues his strong play off the bench, Underwood just might mix him into the starting rotation.
The freshman finished with his 2nd collegiate double-double in #13 Illinois’ 91-52 win over Penn State on Wednesday. He had a career-high 20 points (9-11 FG) with 11 rebounds (4 offensive) and a block in just 20 minutes off the bench.
Johnson understand it is a process and things will come his way eventually but will remain ready.
Through 15 games, Johnson is averaging 6.1 points on 67.3 percent shooting with 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 14.3 minutes off the bench per game.
Extra News
Max Strus (Stagg) announced his Max Strus Family Foundation on Wednesday.
Click to read more about the foundation here.
NBA Games
- Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Oklahoma City Thunder, 129-122.
- Max Strus (Stagg) improved his 3-point shooting from 27.8 percent (10/36) to 35.7 percent (15/42) with this performance against Oklahoma City.
- Strus had 17 points (6-7 FG, 5-6 #3PT) with three rebounds (one offensive), five assists, three turnovers, and a +1 plus-minus in 26 minutes off the bench.
- Max Strus (Stagg) improved his 3-point shooting from 27.8 percent (10/36) to 35.7 percent (15/42) with this performance against Oklahoma City.
- Philadelphia 76ers defeated Washington Wizards, 109-103
- Richaun Holmes (Lockport) set season-highs in offensive rebounds, rebounds, and assists. Also, matched his season-high in blocks.
- Holmes had three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 FT) with 11 rebounds (two offensive), an assist, two blocks, and a +16 plus-minus in 27 minutes off the bench.
- Richaun Holmes (Lockport) set season-highs in offensive rebounds, rebounds, and assists. Also, matched his season-high in blocks.
- New York Knicks defeated Toronto Raptors, 112-98.
- Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) is currently averaging a career-high 7.6 assists.
- Brunson had 13 points (5-13 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-4 FT) with six rebounds, seven assists, a steal, a turnover, and a +20 plus-minus in 35 minutes.
- His seven assists were a game-high tied with Josh Hart.
- Jalen Brunson (Stevenson) is currently averaging a career-high 7.6 assists.
- Portland Trail Blazers defeated New Orleans Pelicans, 109-103.
- Antonio Reeves (Simeon) shot his best percentage (.750) on four or more shots in the loss to Portland.
- Reeves had nine points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3PT, 1-1 FT) with a steal and a +9 plus-minus in six minutes.
- His +9 plus-minus is a game-high tied with teammate Karlo Matkovic.
- Antonio Reeves (Simeon) shot his best percentage (.750) on four or more shots in the loss to Portland.
- Indiana Pacers defeated Chicago Bulls, 129-113.
- Matas Buzelis (Hinsdale Central) is shooting just 32.5 percent (13/40) from the field over his last 10 games.
- Buzelis had two points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3PT) with two rebounds (one offensive), a steal, and a +2 plus-minus in 13 minutes off the bench.
- Talen Horton-Tucker (Simeon) has gone nine straight game without double-digit scoring figures.
- Horton-Tucker had eight points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3PT, 1-1 FT) with two rebounds, a steal, and a +2 plus-minus.
- Jevon Carter (Proviso East) has as many turnovers (six) as he does free throw attempts (six).
- Carter had one point (1-2 FT) with a +7 plus-minus in seven minutes off the bench.
- Matas Buzelis (Hinsdale Central) is shooting just 32.5 percent (13/40) from the field over his last 10 games.
G League Games
- Osceola Magic defeated Mad Ants, 118-98.
- RayJ Dennis (Oswego East) did not play due right ankle sprain.
- Jahlil Okafor (Whitney Young) had eight points (5-9 FG) with seven rebounds (four offensive), two assist, two turnovers, and a -15 plus-minus in 28 minutes.
- His four offensive rebounds were a game-high.
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