Michigan's championship-winning frontcourt and Michigan State's record-setting point guard are taking their talents to the NBA Draft Combine. The spotlight shines bright on Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Jeremy Fears Jr., all of whom received invitations to the premier pre-draft showcase in Chicago.
Running from May 10-17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis, the combine is where dreams meet opportunity. For these four stars, it's a chance to prove they belong among basketball's elite. The event features athletic testing, shooting drills, interviews, and scrimmages—all designed to give NBA teams a closer look at the next generation of talent.
Johnson, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound force who started every game for Michigan's national title run, brings a versatile game to Chicago. Averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, he shot an impressive 65.8% on two-pointers while stretching the floor with 34.3% from beyond the arc. His All-Big Ten and all-defensive team honors speak to his impact on both ends of the court.
On the other side of the rivalry, Fears has been nothing short of spectacular. The 6-foot-2 point guard led Michigan State to the Sweet 16 while posting a nation-leading 9.4 assists per game. His 328 assists shattered MSU's single-season record, and his 15.2 points per game made him the Spartans' offensive engine. A finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, Fears has the playmaking chops to turn heads in Chicago.
The combine also features several other players with local ties, including Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, and UConn center Tarris Reed Jr., who began his college career at Michigan. This deep pool of talent makes for an exciting preview of the upcoming draft.
For Johnson, the draft buzz is real. National outlets project him as a late first-round pick—The Athletic slots him at No. 17, ESPN at No. 20, and both Bleacher Report and Yahoo! Sports at No. 24. Fears, meanwhile, is looking to climb the boards with his elite court vision and scoring ability.
Whether you're a Wolverine or a Spartan, this year's combine is set to showcase the best of Michigan basketball. From championship experience to record-breaking performances, these players are ready to make their mark on the next level.