Johnson Leads United States to FIBA U19 World Cup Title
7/6/2025 6:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Recaps: Morez Johnson Jr. | Oscar Goodman
LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- With his closing 15-point, 10-rebound double-double, Morez Johnson Jr. of the University of Michigan men's basketball team helped lead the United States to the gold medal today (Sunday, July 6) at the FIBA U19 World Cup following its 109-76 win over Germany. Playing for his native country of New Zealand, fellow Wolverine Oscar Goodman helped the Kiwis with a historic tournament run, ending in a fourth-place finish.
The Americans earned their ninth gold medal in FIBA U19 Men's World Cup history -- the most of any country. The U.S. earned gold in 1979, 1983, 1991, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2025.
After earning gold with Team USA at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, Johnson earned a roster spot for the 2025 World Cup squad, which had a quest for gold after missing the podium in 2023.
Averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 18.6 minutes, Johnson was instrumental in the U.S. sweeping Group D pool play after wins over Australia (88-73), France (108-77) and Cameroon (129-70). He highlighted group play with a 10-point, 10-rebound, four-block and two-steal performance in the opener with Australia.
Following a dominating 140-67 win over Jordan in the Round of 16, the U.S. faced a showdown with Canada in the quarterfinals. In a back-and-forth battle, the Americans held off the Canadians to reach the semifinals with a 108-102 victory. Johnson and Goodman met in the semifinal, as the Americans once again cruised to the championship game following a 120-64 win over the Kiwis.
Providing the spark in three of the four quarters in the title game against Germany, Johnson's double-double helped the U.S. earn redemption and win its ninth gold medal.
Scoring more than 100 points in six of its seven games, the United States' average of 114.6 per game, eclipsed the previous mark of 108.9 by the legendary Yugoslavia team from 1987, which included the likes of Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, Vlade Divac and Sasa Djordjevic. The previous scoring average high for an American squad was 104.7 and came in 1979.
With Goodman's play, he helped New Zealand reach several historic moments in Switzerland. First, the Kiwis won their Group A pool (2-1), advanced to their first quarterfinal and semifinal appearance at the U19 World Cup and closed earning the country's top four finish.
Averaging 6.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 19.1 minutes, Goodman was instrumental in the Kiwis advancing to the semifinals after his 13-point, 13-rebound double-double helped New Zealand defeat host Switzerland, 84-70. After a tough defeat at the hands of the United States in the semifinal, Goodman and New Zealand still had an opportunity to bring home a medal.
An early right ankle injury limited Goodman to playing only the first three and a half minutes against Slovenia. Despite a last-minute rally and trailing by two points, Slovenian free throws sealed the win, 91-87, as the Kiwis closed fourth.
Both Johnson and Goodman are expected to return to Ann Arbor to continue their summer semester and practices with the rest of the Wolverines.
FIBA U19 World Cup
Lausanne, Switzerland | Cooly Arena
Morez Johnson Jr. | United States
Games: 7 (7-0)
Points: 9.4, Rebounds: 6.4, Blocks: 1.7, Minutes: 18.6
Double-Doubles (2): Australia (10 points, 10 rebounds); Germany (15 points, 10 rebounds)
Schedule
6/28/2025: Group D: vs. Australia (W, 88-73)
6/29/2025: Group D: vs. France (W, 108-77)
7/1/2025: Group D: vs. Cameroon (W, 129-70)
7/2/2005: Round of 16: vs. Jordan (W, 140-67)
7/4/2025: Quarterfinal: vs. Canada (W, 108-102)
7/5/2025: Semifinal: vs. New Zealand (W, 120-64)
7/6/2025: Championship: vs. Germany (W, 109-76)
Oscar Goodman | New Zealand
Games: 7 (4-3)
Points: 6.4, Rebounds: 5.1, Assists: 2.3, Minutes: 19.1
Double-Double (1): Switzerland (13 points, 13 rebounds)
Schedule
6/28/2025: Group A - vs. Argentina (W, 77-72)
6/29/2025: Group A - vs. Mali (W, 73-50)
7/1/2025: Group A - vs. Serbia (L, 103-97)
7/2/2005: Round of 16 - vs. China (W, 99-86)
7/4/2025: Quarterfinal - vs. Switzerland (W, 84-70)
7/5/2025: Semifinal - vs. United States (L, 120-64)
7/6/2025: 3rd/4th Place - vs. Slovenia (L, 91-87)
