Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Morez Johnson Jr. is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on January 25, 2006, he grew up in Riverdale, Illinois, and became one of the country’s leading young basketball prospects before being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, fans are interested in Morez Johnson Jr.’s family, particularly his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Johnson comes from a close-knit family that has supported his basketball ambitions since childhood. His father, Morez Johnson Sr., introduced him to the importance of hard work and discipline, while his mother, Natasha Jones, encouraged his determination and competitive spirit. He also has a younger sister named Moriah Johnson, who regularly attends his games. In his romantic life, Johnson has publicly acknowledged having a girlfriend, although he has not disclosed her name through widely verified reporting.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Morez Johnson Jr. has publicly confirmed that he has a girlfriend, although he has maintained considerable privacy regarding her identity and their relationship.
Unlike some NBA players who regularly share photographs and personal information about their romantic partners, Johnson has generally focused his public appearances on basketball, family activities and professional development.
However, his relationship became part of the public record during an interview shortly after he was selected in the 2026 NBA Draft.
On June 27, 2026, Johnson appeared on GBag Nation, a sports radio program broadcast by 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.
During the conversation, the young forward discussed his excitement about joining the Mavericks, his expectations for his rookie season and his interests outside basketball.
When asked how he spends his free time, Johnson explained that he enjoys building LEGO sets, relaxing at home and spending time with his family, dog and girlfriend.
His response directly confirmed that he was involved in a romantic relationship at the time.
However, Johnson did not identify his girlfriend by name or provide additional details about her personal background.
There is also no reliable public information establishing her age, education, occupation or how long the couple have been dating.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Girlfriend Attends a Chicago White Sox Game
Another public reference to Johnson’s girlfriend appeared in August 2026, when he returned to the Chicago area for a series of community and sporting activities.
On August 23, 2026, Johnson threw the ceremonial first pitch before a Chicago White Sox baseball game against the New York Mets at Rate Field.
The appearance represented an important moment for the Dallas Mavericks rookie because he grew up supporting the White Sox.
His father, Morez Johnson Sr., had regularly watched the team’s games, helping establish his son’s interest in the franchise.
According to reporting by Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Johnson attended the event alongside relatives and people close to him.
His younger sister, Moriah Johnson, was present, and the report also mentioned his girlfriend.
Johnson, Moriah and his girlfriend took photographs together during the afternoon, giving the basketball player an opportunity to celebrate the occasion with people important to him.
Despite this public appearance, the report did not reveal his girlfriend’s name or provide additional details about their relationship.
Consequently, although Johnson has openly acknowledged having a romantic partner, her identity remains undisclosed in reliable public reporting.
As of now, Morez Johnson Jr. has a publicly documented girlfriend, with the most recent reliable reporting placing them together in August 2026. However, her name and their current relationship status have not been independently established beyond that appearance.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Morez Johnson Jr. is married.
Although he has discussed having a girlfriend, he has not publicly announced an engagement, wedding or wife through official basketball communications or verified interviews.
His relationship status should therefore not be confused with marriage.
As of now, Morez Johnson Jr. has no publicly confirmed wife.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Morez Johnson Jr. has children. The Dallas Mavericks forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA and college basketball biographies do not identify any children.
Although he has openly discussed his family relationships and acknowledged having a girlfriend, Johnson has not publicly spoken about being a father.
Most reporting about his personal life focuses on his parents, younger sister, upbringing in Riverdale and transition from college basketball to the NBA.
Johnson has also participated in community activities involving young children, including basketball-related events and educational initiatives in his hometown.
However, these activities do not establish that he has children of his own.
As of now, Morez Johnson Jr. has no publicly confirmed children. The absence of public reporting does not establish details about aspects of his private life that he has chosen not to disclose.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Morez Johnson Jr.’s parents are Morez Johnson Sr. and Natasha Jones. Both raised their son in Riverdale, a community located south of Chicago, Illinois.
Their names are confirmed in his official University of Illinois basketball biography, which also acknowledges the important role his father played in his athletic development.
His parents have supported his basketball ambitions since childhood, encouraging him to remain disciplined and believe in his potential.
They have also attended numerous basketball games and important sporting events throughout his high school, college and professional career.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Father: Morez Johnson Sr.
Morez Johnson Sr. is the father of NBA basketball player Morez Johnson Jr. and one of the most influential figures in his development.
Although Morez Sr. has generally maintained a relatively private life outside his son’s basketball career, he has participated in interviews discussing his upbringing and achievements.
His importance became particularly evident during Johnson’s early basketball years.
Unlike many elite American basketball prospects who begin organized training at a very young age, Morez Jr. did not start playing basketball seriously until he was approximately 11 years old.
As a result, he initially lacked some of the technical skills possessed by children who had been playing for several years.
However, his father believed he had the physical potential and determination required to become a successful player.
In a November 8, 2023 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Morez Sr. recalled an important conversation with his son during sixth grade.
He explained that many other young basketball players were more technically developed when Johnson first began competing.
Nevertheless, Morez Sr. told his son that his height could eventually become an advantage if he worked harder than the other players.
He encouraged Morez Jr. to remain patient, practice consistently and avoid becoming discouraged when competing against more experienced opponents.
According to his father, the young player responded by dedicating himself to improving his basketball abilities.
Over the following years, that determination helped him develop into one of Illinois’ leading high school prospects.
How Morez Johnson Sr. Helped His Son’s Basketball Development
Morez Johnson Sr. played an active role in helping his son discover opportunities to compete against talented young basketball players.
One important moment occurred when Johnson was selected to participate in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, commonly known as the EYBL.
The prestigious youth basketball circuit has helped develop numerous future NBA players, including Anthony Davis and Derrick Rose.
During a February 2026 interview with the Big Ten Network, Johnson discussed how his father encouraged him before attending an important basketball tryout.
At the time, the young athlete did not fully understand the significance of the competition.
His father explained that participating would allow him to measure his abilities against some of the country’s leading basketball prospects.
He also encouraged Johnson to approach the opportunity with confidence and excitement.
The experience helped him become more familiar with high-level competition and strengthened his determination to improve.
His father’s encouragement remained important as Johnson progressed through St. Rita High School and later Thornton Township High School.
In November 2023, Morez Sr. attended the ceremony at which his son officially signed his National Letter of Intent to play basketball for the University of Illinois.
The occasion represented an important achievement for the family because Johnson had fulfilled an early commitment to represent his home state’s university.
Photographs from the ceremony showed Morez Jr. seated alongside his parents as they celebrated his decision.
After his son transferred to Michigan in 2025, Morez Sr. continued attending games and providing encouragement.
In February 2026, reports indicated that he had arranged additional support for the family ahead of a highly anticipated game against Illinois, including mental performance assistance.
His involvement reflected his continued commitment to helping his son manage the challenges of competitive basketball.
When Johnson was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in June 2026, his father joined other relatives in celebrating the achievement.
During a post-draft interview, Morez Jr. acknowledged the sacrifices his parents had made and explained that their support had helped him reach the NBA.
Although Morez Sr.’s professional occupation and educational background have not been extensively documented in reliable public reporting, his influence on his son’s basketball career is well established.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Mother: Natasha Jones
Morez Johnson Jr.’s mother is Natasha Jones, who has been a consistent source of encouragement throughout his basketball career.
Natasha raised Morez and his younger sister Moriah in Riverdale, Illinois, alongside Morez Johnson Sr.
Although she has generally maintained a private life outside the sporting attention surrounding her son, Natasha has occasionally spoken with journalists about his childhood and determination.
During a November 2023 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, she discussed the competitive mindset Morez had developed while growing up.
She explained that her son had always been determined to improve, particularly because he was regularly reminded that other basketball players were more advanced than him.
Rather than allowing those comparisons to discourage him, Johnson used them as motivation.
Natasha recognized that this determination had become an important characteristic of his personality.
Her encouragement complemented the guidance provided by his father, who emphasized training, discipline and consistent effort.
Together, his parents helped create an environment in which Johnson could continue pursuing basketball despite the challenges of competing against more experienced players.
Natasha also attended important moments throughout his high school and college basketball career.
She was present when her son signed with Illinois in November 2023 and continued supporting him after he moved to the University of Michigan.
During the Wolverines’ successful 2025–26 season, she attended games and celebrated his achievements alongside other family members.
Her support became particularly meaningful when Michigan advanced through the NCAA Tournament and eventually won the national championship in April 2026.
Following Johnson’s selection by the Dallas Mavericks, he publicly credited his mother with helping develop his competitive spirit.
During his introductory press conference in Dallas, he acknowledged that his parents had supported him throughout the difficulties and successes of his basketball journey.
In August 2026, Natasha joined her husband and children during Morez Jr.’s visit to the Chicago area.
The family attended his ceremonial first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game and participated in activities connected to his community initiatives in Riverdale.
Although details about Natasha’s occupation and educational background remain private, her influence on her son’s personal development and basketball ambitions has been documented through interviews and public appearances.
Why Does Morez Johnson Jr. Wear Number 21?
Morez Johnson Jr.’s basketball jersey number has a special connection to his parents.
During his high school and college basketball careers, Johnson frequently wore jersey number 21.
In a March 2026 interview with FOX Sports, he explained that the number was inspired by his parents’ birthdays.
His mother, Natasha Jones, was born on October 7, while his father, Morez Johnson Sr., celebrates his birthday on June 7.
Because both parents were born on the seventh day of their respective months, Johnson wanted to incorporate that number into his basketball identity.
He associated the number seven with good fortune and selected 21 because it represents three times seven.
The number became an important personal symbol throughout his basketball journey.
He wore No. 21 during his time at St. Rita High School and later represented both Illinois and Michigan with the same jersey number.
However, he had to select a different number after joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2026.
Dallas center Daniel Gafford was already wearing No. 21, meaning Johnson needed an alternative.
He eventually selected No. 14 for his rookie NBA season.
During a June 2026 radio interview, Johnson explained that the number 21 remained special to him despite the change.
His decision to honor his parents through his jersey number demonstrates the importance he places on his family relationships.
Morez Johnson Jr.’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Sister Moriah Johnson
Morez Johnson Jr. has one publicly documented sibling, his younger sister Moriah Johnson.
Her name appears in his official University of Illinois basketball biography, which identifies her as his younger sister.
Although she has generally maintained a lower public profile than her NBA-playing brother, Moriah has occasionally appeared in reporting about his family and major sporting achievements.
Moriah Johnson – Morez Johnson Jr.’s Younger Sister
Moriah Johnson is Morez Johnson Jr.’s younger sister and a member of the family raised in Riverdale, Illinois.
Like their parents, Moriah has supported her older brother throughout his basketball development.
She has attended games and important family celebrations, including events associated with Michigan’s successful 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign.
Her support attracted public attention during the Final Four in April 2026.
According to reporting by MLive, Moriah attended Michigan’s tournament activities and expressed confidence in her brother’s team ahead of the national championship game.
She explained that she intended to support the Wolverines enthusiastically from the stands.
At the time, Michigan had advanced to the championship game against the Connecticut Huskies.
Moriah expressed confidence that the Wolverines would finish the tournament successfully.
Michigan eventually defeated Connecticut 69–63 on April 6, 2026, securing the program’s second NCAA men’s basketball national championship.
Johnson contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds in the title game, helping the team complete its championship run.
For the Johnson family, the achievement represented an important milestone after years of supporting Morez’s basketball ambitions.
Moriah Johnson Supports Her Brother’s NBA Journey
Moriah continued appearing alongside her older brother after he entered the NBA.
One notable family moment occurred on August 23, 2026, when Morez Jr. threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Chicago White Sox baseball game.
Moriah attended the event alongside their parents and other family members.
Following the pitch, Johnson was asked to evaluate his performance.
He gave himself a score of 8.5 out of 10, while Moriah rated her brother’s performance more generously, giving him a 9 out of 10.
The exchange offered a lighthearted glimpse into their sibling relationship.
During the same weekend, the family participated in Johnson’s second annual Back to School giveaway at Washington Elementary School in Riverdale.
The event provided an opportunity for the basketball player to reconnect with the community where he grew up.
His parents and sister were present for several of the activities.
The family’s involvement highlighted their continued support as Johnson prepared for his first NBA season.
Although Moriah has appeared at these events, reliable public sources provide limited information about her exact age, education or professional interests.
There is also no verified reporting establishing that she pursues competitive basketball.
As of now, Moriah Johnson remains Morez Johnson Jr.’s only publicly documented sibling.
Does Morez Johnson Jr. Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Morez Johnson Jr. has a brother.
His official University of Illinois basketball biography identifies Moriah as his younger sister but does not mention any brothers.
Although Johnson has used the word “brothers” when discussing close basketball teammates, those comments refer to friendships and team relationships rather than biological siblings.
As of now, Moriah is his only publicly identified sibling, although this does not conclusively establish whether he has additional relatives who have remained outside public reporting.
How Morez Johnson Jr.’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Family support has played a central role in Morez Johnson Jr.’s development from a young athlete in Riverdale to a first-round NBA Draft selection.
Unlike many highly recruited basketball players, Johnson did not begin playing seriously until he was approximately 11 years old.
During his early years, his father encouraged him to concentrate on fundamentals, physical development and consistent improvement.
His mother supported his determination and helped him maintain confidence while competing against players with greater experience.
Johnson attended Washington Junior High School in Riverdale, where he developed into an important player on the school’s basketball team.
During the 2019–20 season, he helped the school win the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 2A eighth-grade state championship.
The team finished the season undefeated with a 26–0 record.
Johnson then attended St. Rita High School in Chicago, where he spent his first three years of high school basketball.
At St. Rita, he developed under head coach Roshawn Russell, whom he later identified as one of the most influential figures in his basketball career.
His performances improved each season, establishing him among Illinois’ leading high school prospects.
As a junior, he averaged approximately 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game.
He also earned All-State and All-Conference recognition.
In 2023, Johnson transferred to Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, for his senior season.
During the 2023–24 season, he averaged approximately 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals per game.
His outstanding performances earned him the 2024 Illinois Mr. Basketball award and recognition as the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
He also represented the United States at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup, helping the national team win the gold medal.
After completing high school, Johnson joined the University of Illinois for the 2024–25 college basketball season.
During his freshman campaign, he appeared in 30 games and averaged 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
He also established an Illinois freshman record by shooting 64.2 percent from the field.
Although his development was interrupted by a wrist injury, he returned to help the Fighting Illini during the NCAA Tournament.
Following the season, Johnson transferred to the University of Michigan.
The move allowed him to play under head coach Dusty May, who was building a competitive Wolverines program.
During the 2025–26 season, Johnson became an important member of Michigan’s starting lineup.
He averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game across 40 appearances.
His performances earned him Second Team All-Big Ten recognition and a place on the conference’s All-Defensive Team.
He also helped Michigan win the 2026 NCAA national championship, contributing a double-double in the final against Connecticut.
His successful college season strengthened his prospects of being selected in the NBA Draft.
On June 23, 2026, the Dallas Mavericks selected Johnson with the ninth overall pick.
The selection reunited him with Dusty May, who had accepted the Mavericks’ head coaching position after leading Michigan to the national championship.
Johnson officially signed his rookie contract with Dallas in July 2026.
During his introductory press conference, he acknowledged his family’s sacrifices and credited his parents with helping him develop his competitive mindset.
His father had supported him through difficult moments, while his mother encouraged him to remain determined and confident.
His younger sister also continued supporting him as he prepared for life in the NBA.
The family’s involvement in his August 2026 community activities demonstrated that Johnson had maintained strong connections with Riverdale despite his growing national recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morez Johnson Jr.’s Family
Who is Morez Johnson Jr.’s girlfriend?
Morez Johnson Jr. publicly confirmed having a girlfriend during a June 27, 2026 interview with 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. She was also mentioned in August 2026 reporting about his appearance at a Chicago White Sox game. However, her name has not been reliably disclosed.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. dating anyone?
Yes. Johnson acknowledged having a girlfriend in June 2026, and a Dallas Morning News report placed her alongside him in August 2026. A more recent update about their relationship has not been independently verified.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Morez Johnson Jr. is married or has a wife.
Does Morez Johnson Jr. have children?
Morez Johnson Jr. has no publicly confirmed children. He has not announced having a son or daughter.
Who are Morez Johnson Jr.’s parents?
His parents are Morez Johnson Sr. and Natasha Jones, who raised him in Riverdale, Illinois, and supported his basketball development.
Who is Morez Johnson Jr.’s father?
His father is Morez Johnson Sr., who encouraged him to begin playing basketball seriously and emphasized the importance of consistent training and hard work.
Who is Morez Johnson Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Natasha Jones, who has supported his basketball career and encouraged his determination and competitive spirit.
When are Morez Johnson Jr.’s parents’ birthdays?
His mother, Natasha Jones, celebrates her birthday on October 7, while his father, Morez Johnson Sr., celebrates his birthday on June 7.
Why did Morez Johnson Jr. wear jersey number 21?
Johnson wore No. 21 to honor his parents, who were both born on the seventh day of their respective birth months. He selected 21 because three times seven equals 21.
Why does Morez Johnson Jr. wear number 14 for the Dallas Mavericks?
Johnson chose No. 14 after joining Dallas in 2026 because his preferred number 21 was already worn by Daniel Gafford.
How many siblings does Morez Johnson Jr. have?
Morez Johnson Jr. has one publicly documented sibling, his younger sister Moriah Johnson.
Who is Morez Johnson Jr.’s sister?
His younger sister is Moriah Johnson, who has attended important basketball games and family events, including Michigan’s 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign.
Does Morez Johnson Jr. have a brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Morez Johnson Jr. has a brother. His official college biography identifies one younger sister named Moriah.
Where is Morez Johnson Jr. from?
Morez Johnson Jr. grew up in Riverdale, Illinois, a community south of Chicago. He attended St. Rita High School and Thornton Township High School before beginning his college basketball career.
How old is Morez Johnson Jr.?
Morez Johnson Jr. was born on January 25, 2006, making him 20 years old as of October 2026.
Did Morez Johnson Jr. win an NCAA championship?
Yes. Johnson helped the University of Michigan win the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball national championship, contributing 10 points and 12 rebounds in the final against Connecticut.
Which NBA team does Morez Johnson Jr. play for?
Morez Johnson Jr. plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and officially signed his rookie contract in July 2026.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
