The USA TODAY Sports Network released its latest 2026 NBA draft mock on Monday, April 6, leading into the national championship game of March Madness.
Three Michigan players − Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. − are projected first-round picks, and have been all season. The stock only rose in their march to the title as the Wolverines won the NCAA title to complete an incredible 37-3 season.
Mara and Johnson both can return to Michigan for what is once again a loaded roster for the 2026-27 season should they choose, but Lendeborg, a transfer from UAB and former junior college player, is out of college eligibility.
Here’s a look at the draft stock for all three Michigan players, courtesy of Bryan Kalbrosky, senior NBA staff writer at USA TODAY’s For The Win. Find all 30 picks for the first round in the full mock draft.
8. Memphis Grizzlies: F Yaxel Lendeborg
- BORN: New Jersey
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 23
Kalbrosky: The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the national championship he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten player of the year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories in Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
[ Yaxel Lendeborg refused to bail on his team. Now he’s a U-M hoops legend. ]
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): C Aday Mara
- BORN: Spain
- HEIGHT: 7-3
- DRAFT AGE: 21
Kalbrosky: After leading his team to the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.% of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten defensive player of the year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.
26. Los Angeles Lakers: PF Morez Johnson Jr.
- BORN: Illinois
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Kalbrosky: Johnson is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
For more, read the full mock draft.
