Mara's Rise
Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports released his latest 2026 NBA Draft mock on May 29, projecting a trio of Michigan alumni to hear their names called in the opening lottery selections. The forecast places Aday Mara ninth overall, Yaxel Lendeborg eleventh, and Morez Johnson Jr. also within the lottery, marking a potential watershed moment for the program.
Mara, a 7‑foot‑3 Spaniard, saw his draft stock climb steadily throughout the NCAA tournament. His blend of size, shooting range and defensive presence convinced many that the Oklahoma City Thunder would reach for him at the ninth pick, a spot that could become the highest ever for a Michigan player.
Lendeborg, who averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in his solitary season with the Wolverines, is slated to fall to the eleventh slot for the Golden State Warriors. His versatile scoring and rebounding profile fits a franchise that values adaptable front‑court talent.
Morez Johnson Jr. brings a different kind of dynamism, known for his athleticism and tenacious defense. Analysts expect him to be selected in the lottery as well, underscoring the depth of Michigan’s 2025‑26 class.
If the projections hold, the trio would become the first Michigan players ever to be drafted in the top fifteen, let alone three lottery picks. The achievement would eclipse the school’s previous best showing, a milestone that has eluded the program since its early basketball glory days.
The 2025‑26 Michigan team compiled a series of new records during the regular season, from win streaks to offensive efficiency, fueling the optimism that preceded the draft buzz. Coach Dusty May’s system, built around spacing and transition, appears to be paying dividends at the professional level.