NBA · 18 hours ago

Bruce Pearl predicts trio of Michigan Bigs in NBA Draft top 12

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Michigan's NBA Draft Legacy

Michigan Draft History Highlights
- 32 first-round picks
- 68 NBA draft picks overall
- 2 No.1 picks overall in Russell (1966) and Webber (1993)
- 19 lottery picks
- 12 first-rounders since 2013, leads Big Ten
Michigan has a rich NBA Draft history dating back decades, producing stars, All-Stars, and championship contributors. The Fab Five era alone helped cement the Wolverines as one of college basketball's premier talent pipelines.

Names such as Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Glen Rice, and Cazzie Russell who was drafted No. 1 overall in 1966. Webber and Russell are the only two Wolverines selected at the top spot.

What makes the 2026 class unique is the possibility of three Wolverines hearing their names called within the opening dozen selections. That would place this Michigan group among the most successful single-season draft classes in school history.

National championships often create NBA opportunities, and that's exactly what happened in Ann Arbor. Mara, Lendeborg, and Johnson didn't simply win games they positioned themselves to become the next generation of Michigan players making an impact at the professional level.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Bruce Pearl Sees ‘Michigan Bigs’ Surging Up Draft Boards

Draft Night Takeaways
- Bruce Pearl believes Michigan could place three players in the top 12.
- Aday Mara has surged into potential lottery territory.
- Yaxel Lendeborg's versatility appeals to modern NBA teams.
- Morez Johnson Jr. is viewed as a young, plug-and-play frontcourt option.
- Michigan's championship run elevated all three prospects.
When speaking with Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, retired college basketball coach Bruce Pearl couldn't stop talking about the remarkable rise of Michigan basketball.

“Those Michigan bigs,” Pearl said about the trio of Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Morez Johnson Jr., and going higher than anticipated by NBA Mock Drafts.

Pearl highlighted the Wolverines as a program that could realistically produce three players selected among the first 12 picks of the 2026 NBA Draft, a feat reserved for only the nation's elite programs.

“I think the Michigan bigs are all gonna go inside the top 12 picks in the draft,” Pearl said on the Stephen A. Smith Show.

Michigan's national championship run only strengthened those evaluations. NBA teams aren't simply drafting production; they're drafting players who performed under pressure, won games, and elevated their stock on the biggest stage.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
The Swiss Army Knife

Yaxel Lendeborg by the Numbers
- 15.1 points per game
- 8 rebounds per game
- 2 assists per game
- 2% from three-point range
- 4% free-throw shooter
“Let’s start with Yaxel,” Pearl said when breaking down the three Wolverines. “He’s 24 years old, but he’s guy you plug in right away, and he’s ready to play He’s ready to win.”

Few players in this draft offer the versatility of Lendeborg. After arriving in Ann Arbor and helping lead Michigan to a national title, Lendeborg established himself as one of the most complete forwards available.

At 6-foot-9 and 241 pounds, he combines strength, athleticism, rebounding, and playmaking into one package. His 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game illustrate how many ways he impacts a game. NBA teams particularly value his ability to defend multiple positions while stretching the floor.

Lendeborg's age has occasionally surfaced during draft discussions, but his polished game and readiness to contribute immediately are viewed as positives by organizations looking to win now. Oklahoma City, Golden State, and several lottery clubs have reportedly been linked to his range.

His appeal comes from reliability. Coaches know exactly what they're getting a tough, intelligent, productive player capable of fitting virtually any roster construction.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Inside Top 10 Potential

Aday Mara by the Numbers
- 7-foot-3, 260 pounds
- 1 points per game
- 8 rebounds per game
- 4 assists per game
- 8% field-goal percentage
“And then for me Mara, my goodness gracious,” Pearl said of the center born in Spain. “Look at where he went in one year. He was a late second round pick when he left UCLA a year ago, and right now he’s flirting as a top 10 pick.”

Pearl raved about his rim protection and athleticism and going as far saying he doesn’t believe he’ll get past the tenth pick of the NBA Draft.

Standing 7-foot-3 and weighing 260 pounds, Aday Mara enters draft night as one of the most fascinating prospects available. The Zaragoza, Spain native showed tremendous growth during Michigan's championship season, transforming from a developmental project into a legitimate lottery candidate.

Mara's offensive efficiency is what separates him from many big men. He shot an impressive 66.8 percent from the floor while averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. His passing ability gives him value beyond simply finishing around the basket, allowing offenses to run through him from the high post.

The biggest question remains whether a team selects him inside the top 10 or whether he lands in the 8-to-12 range projected by numerous mock drafts. Either way, Mara's combination of size, touch, rim protection, and basketball IQ makes him one of the safest big men in this class.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
The Young Powerhouse

Morez Johnson Jr. by the Numbers
- 20 years old
- 1 points per game
- 3 rebounds per game
- 3% field-goal percentage
- 6-foot-9, 250 pounds
“Then Morez Johnson, he’s not going to be around much after 10, 11 or 12,” Pearl said.”

Morez Johnson Jr. may have the highest long-term ceiling of Michigan's trio. Only 20 years old, Johnson brings a physical style that NBA teams covet, along with the youth and upside front offices often prioritize.

The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward played a major role during Michigan's championship season, averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 62.3 percent from the field. His ability to finish through contact and dominate the glass helped him emerge as one of the fastest-rising prospects in college basketball.

Unlike some younger players, Johnson already possesses an NBA-ready body. Teams see a player who can immediately contribute as a rebounder and interior scorer while continuing to expand his offensive game.

Several organizations drafting in the middle of the lottery are believed to be intrigued by Johnson's blend of youth, production, and physicality. Those traits could push him higher than many expect on draft night.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Michigan's NBA Draft Legacy

Michigan Draft History Highlights
- 32 first-round picks
- 68 NBA draft picks overall
- 2 No.1 picks overall in Russell (1966) and Webber (1993)
- 19 lottery picks
- 12 first-rounders since 2013, leads Big Ten
Michigan has a rich NBA Draft history dating back decades, producing stars, All-Stars, and championship contributors. The Fab Five era alone helped cement the Wolverines as one of college basketball's premier talent pipelines.

Names such as Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Glen Rice, and Cazzie Russell who was drafted No. 1 overall in 1966. Webber and Russell are the only two Wolverines selected at the top spot.

What makes the 2026 class unique is the possibility of three Wolverines hearing their names called within the opening dozen selections. That would place this Michigan group among the most successful single-season draft classes in school history.

National championships often create NBA opportunities, and that's exactly what happened in Ann Arbor. Mara, Lendeborg, and Johnson didn't simply win games they positioned themselves to become the next generation of Michigan players making an impact at the professional level.
NBA Draft: Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Bruce Pearl Sees ‘Michigan Bigs’ Surging Up Draft Boards

Draft Night Takeaways
- Bruce Pearl believes Michigan could place three players in the top 12.
- Aday Mara has surged into potential lottery territory.
- Yaxel Lendeborg's versatility appeals to modern NBA teams.
- Morez Johnson Jr. is viewed as a young, plug-and-play frontcourt option.
- Michigan's championship run elevated all three prospects.
When speaking with Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, retired college basketball coach Bruce Pearl couldn't stop talking about the remarkable rise of Michigan basketball.

“Those Michigan bigs,” Pearl said about the trio of Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, and Morez Johnson Jr., and going higher than anticipated by NBA Mock Drafts.

Pearl highlighted the Wolverines as a program that could realistically produce three players selected among the first 12 picks of the 2026 NBA Draft, a feat reserved for only the nation's elite programs.

“I think the Michigan bigs are all gonna go inside the top 12 picks in the draft,” Pearl said on the Stephen A. Smith Show.

Michigan's national championship run only strengthened those evaluations. NBA teams aren't simply drafting production; they're drafting players who performed under pressure, won games, and elevated their stock on the biggest stage.

undefined Game Odds

Jun 24 12:10 PM

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TEX

-1.5

-120

O 7.5

MIA

+1.5

+102

U 7.5

Jun 24 1:10 PM

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CHC

-1.5

+100

O 8.5

NYM

+1.5

-118

U 8.5

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