Five-star Illinois freshman Morez Johnson Jr.'s ability to protect the rim and block shots has been a topic of much discussion heading into the 2024-25 season, and the Illini made the announcement Monday at State Farm Center set the tone against Eastern Illinois.

And for good reason.

Johnson, the reigning Mr. Basketball of Illinois, averaged 3.4 blocks as a senior last season. But college basketball is a different level, right?

Maybe for some.

After coming into the game early, Johnson quickly made his presence felt as a shot blocker.

With the Illini trailing 11-10 minutes into the game, Panthers guard Nakyel Shelton took a pass on the perimeter and made a step to Illinois forward Ben Humrichous. Johnson recognized it, slipped off his man, dropped into the paint and rose to erase a floater attempt by Shelton.

The Illini, often in defensive drop coverage, challenge the Panthers to make mid-range shots. With Johnson running a lot (so far) and patrolling the interior, opponents considering attacking the basket against Illinois might start second-guessing themselves.

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