The future of Michigan basketball is shining bright, with three Wolverines projected as first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. The latest mock draft from USA TODAY Sports Network, released just before the national championship game, highlights Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr. as players poised to make the leap to the pros.
This trio has been on NBA radars all season, and their stock skyrocketed after leading Michigan to an incredible 37-3 record and the NCAA national championship. Their performances on college basketball's biggest stage have solidified their status as elite prospects.
The big question now is: who will declare? Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara both have the option to return to Ann Arbor for the 2026-27 season, where Michigan is expected to field another loaded roster. However, Yaxel Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year and a key transfer, has exhausted his eligibility and is a lock for the draft.
Let's break down the draft stock for each of these potential first-rounders, based on analysis from Bryan Kalbrosky of USA TODAY's For The Win.
Yaxel Lendeborg is viewed as perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this class. After transferring from UAB, he silenced any skeptics by dominating the Big Ten and proving his game translates to the highest level. Projected to the Memphis Grizzlies, he's seen as a versatile two-way player who can immediately contribute to a rebuilding core, drawing comparisons to recent Grizzlies draft picks who followed similar paths.
Aday Mara, the 7-foot-3 defensive anchor, massively boosted his profile during March Madness. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is a game-changing rim protector who also showcases impressive passing skills, especially in transition. His championship pedigree and unique skill set for a player of his size make him an extremely intriguing prospect.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Ann Arbor to see which of these stars will trade their maize and blue for an NBA jersey. Their journey from college champions to professional athletes is a testament to the high-level talent developing at Michigan.