3 Michigan Stars on the Brink of NBA Glory: Who’s Leaving & What It Means for Their Futures?

The latest NBA draft mock by the USA TODAY Sports Network has stirred excitement among basketball fans, especially following the Michigan Wolverines' triumphant run to the NCAA championship. Released on April 6, just ahead of the highly anticipated national championship game, this mock draft highlights three standout players from Michigan—Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr.—all projected to be first-round picks.

This season has been a remarkable journey for the Wolverines, concluding with an impressive 37-3 record and a national title. Each of these talented athletes has played a crucial role in this success, but interestingly, their future paths may diverge. While Lendeborg, who earned the title of Big Ten Player of the Year, has exhausted his eligibility due to his transfer from UAB, both Mara and Johnson retain the option to return to a loaded Michigan roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

According to Bryan Kalbrosky, a senior NBA staff writer at USA TODAY's For The Win, Lendeborg is projected to be picked eighth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Kalbrosky notes that Lendeborg has emerged as potentially the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. His performance during the championship run has silenced initial doubts regarding how his game would adapt following his transition to a high-major program. The Grizzlies, who recently traded away Jaren Jackson Jr., could see Lendeborg as a substantial addition to their rebuilding core.

“Lendeborg offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball,” Kalbrosky stated, highlighting the player's versatility and skill set that can translate well to the professional level.

Mara, projected to be selected at 20th overall by the San Antonio Spurs (via the Atlanta Hawks), has also significantly bolstered his draft stock during March Madness. Standing at an impressive 7-foot-3, Mara proved to be an exceptional rim protector, with opponents only attempting 20% of their field goals at the rim when he was on the court, according to CBB Analytics. This statistic places him among the top defensive players in college basketball. Kalbrosky emphasizes Mara’s ability to not only defend but also to pass effectively, showcasing his potential as an asset to a team that already has a star in Victor Wembanyama.

Finally, Morez Johnson Jr. is projected to go 26th overall to the Los Angeles Lakers. Described by Kalbrosky as one of the best two-way players in the NCAA, Johnson's performance this season has solidified his reputation as a reliable contributor on both offense and defense. He has thrived since transferring to Michigan from Illinois and possesses an eye-catching shooting form at the free-throw line. His scoring ability, especially while cutting to the basket, combined with his defensive acumen, indicates that Johnson could earn valuable minutes at the next level.

The NCAA draft landscape is as competitive as ever, and the trajectories of these three Michigan athletes underscore the evolving dynamics of college basketball. With a championship under their belts and potential lucrative careers in the NBA on the horizon, the decisions these young men make in the coming weeks will not only impact their futures but may also shape the landscape of college basketball moving forward.

To delve deeper into the draft projections and to see all 30 picks for the first round, you can find the full mock draft by Bryan Kalbrosky at USA TODAY's For The Win.

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Free Press: 3 Michigan champions projected as NBA 1st-round picks. Who will leave?