The entirety of the 2025-26 Michigan men's basketball team's starting frontcourt is participating in the NBA Combine as they prepare to take the next steps in their careers.
Yaxel Lendeborg elevated his Draft stock throughout a season in Ann Arbor, proving himself among the nation's best as he won Big Ten Player of the Year and helped U-M win the national championship in his final year of collegiate eligibility. Meanwhile, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. still have decisions to make: While both would hear their names called if they chose to declare and remain in the NBA Draft process, they would also get hefty paydays to return for a second year with the Wolverines.
But given what they're demonstrating at the NBA Combine, Mara and Johnson Jr. both seem much more likely to go pro than return to Michigan as their NBA stock continues to rise. On Monday, their measurements and athleticism drew widespread praise across the NBA Draft world.
Here's how the trio of Wolverines measured up at the NBA Combine:
Yaxel Lendeborg
Height: 6-8.75
Weight: 241 lbs
Wingspan: 7-3.25
Standing reach: 9-0.5
What they said:
- "No surprises after last year's Combine, but still outstanding dimensions for a player who slid seamlessly from the 3 to the 5 this season." — Jonathan Givony
- "I get all of the concerns about age, where do you draft player, etc. ... Off talent, physicals, playoff viability, archetype, etc. this is one of the best players in 2026." — Nathan Grubel, No Ceilings NBA
Aday Mara
Height: 7-3
Weight: 260 lbs
Wingspan: 7-6
Standing reach: 9-9
What they said:
- "Absolutely absurd measurements. Tied with Mark Williams for the second-longest standing reach in Combine history, behind only Tacko Fall." — Jonathan Givony
Morez Johnson Jr.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 251
Wingspan: 7-3.5
Standing reach: 8-11
In addition to his measurements, Johnson Jr. proved himself as a superior athlete during day one of the NBA Combine. His unofficial results placed him first overall in the Pro Lane Drill, first in the vertical leap, and fourth in the no-step vertical jump. Johnson Jr. also impressed in the shooting drills.
What they said:
- "To be as big, tenacious, and physical as he is and to have the lateral mobility he has is insane." — Albert Ghim, No Ceilings NBA
- "He's got the makeup to be a long-term rotation guy because of his defense, energy and force. Shot looks like it'll come along too." — Keith Smith, Spotrac
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Fans can watch portions of the NBA Combine on TV. ESPN2 will air strength, agility and shooting drills on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET. Scrimmages will air on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and Thursday at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV. However, Lendeborg, Mara and Johnson Jr. do not appear on initial scrimmage rosters.
The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft process while maintaining collegiate eligibility is May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the 2026 NBA Draft is set for June 23-24.