New talent ignites Crisler Center as Wolverines tip off the season. Experience a revamped roster, featuring Mara, Lendeborg, and Cadeau, aiming for a fresh start.
Michigan basketball returns to action tonight at Crisler Center, opening the 2025–26 season against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. It’s the first official chance for fans to see the new-look Wolverines, a team blending returning contributors with exciting newcomers—including highly anticipated big man Aday Mara, dynamic forward Yaxel Lendeborg, and star transfer point guard Elliot Cadeau.
For Michigan, this opener represents more than just the start of another season—it’s a reset. After an up-and-down campaign a year ago, the Wolverines enter with renewed purpose, improved chemistry, and a roster that’s deeper and more versatile than it’s been in recent memory.
All eyes will be on Aday Mara, the 7-foot-3 center from Spain whose size, touch, and passing ability have already made him a fan favorite. His presence immediately changes Michigan’s identity on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Mara gives the Wolverines a true post anchor capable of scoring inside or facilitating from the high post. Defensively, his rim protection and length could make Michigan far tougher in the paint, an area of weakness in recent seasons.
Alongside him, Yaxel Lendeborg, the graduate transfer forward, brings energy, athleticism, and toughness to the front courts . Known for his rebounding motor and ability to guard multiple positions, Lendeborg’s versatility allows Michigan to play big or small depending on the matchup. His intensity should complement Mara’s size, giving the Wolverines one of the more intriguing frontcourt duos in the Big Ten.
At point guard, Elliot Cadeau steps into a crucial role. The electric junior transfer is known for his elite vision, unselfish play, and ability to control pace. Cadeau’s quickness in transition and knack for finding open teammates should elevate Michigan’s offense, particularly with finishers like Mara and Lendeborg running the floor. Coaches have praised his leadership and poise, qualities that could help steady the Wolverines in tight moments.
Veteran guard Nimari Burnett brings experience and outside shooting to the lineup, while freshmen Winters Grady and Trey McKenney provide athletic depth off the bench. Together, the backcourt’s mix of skill and maturity should help Michigan play faster, more cohesive basketball.
Oakland, led by long-time coach Greg Kampe, won’t be intimidated. The Golden Grizzlies are known for spacing the floor, shooting confidently from deep, and playing with pace. Their motion-heavy offense will test Michigan’s defensive communication and rotations early, especially with new players still learning one another’s tendencies.
For Michigan, the focus will be on establishing an identity built around defense, rebounding, and ball movement. Expect the Wolverines to use their size advantage inside with Mara and Lendeborg while letting Cadeau orchestrate a balanced offensive attack. If Michigan can combine its frontcourt dominance with disciplined defense and consistent perimeter shooting, it has the potential to surprise in Big Ten play.
The atmosphere at Crisler Center will be electric tonight as fans welcome a roster brimming with potential. With Cadeau’s playmaking, Mara’s skill, and Lendeborg’s energy, Michigan’s new core could mark the beginning of a resurgence in Ann Arbor. Tonight’s opener against Oakland is more than just a game—it’s the start of a new era for Wolverine basketball.