Michigan's trio of Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg make the Wolverines capable of beating anyone in the country.
As Michigan prepares for a pivotal matchup against Oregon, the Wolverines are doing so with one of the most intriguing and productive frontcourt groups in the Big Ten. Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Aday Mara have each brought a different element to Dusty May’s rotation, giving Michigan versatility, toughness, and upside that few teams can match.
Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. has quickly proven that the moment is not too big for him. His motor jumps off the screen every night, whether he’s crashing the offensive glass, sprinting back in transition defense, getting steals in the open court or battling bigger bodies in the paint. Johnson’s rebounding instincts and willingness to do the dirty work have made him an immediate asset, and his confidence has continued to grow as the season progresses. What stands out most is his physicality — he plays with an edge that raises the team’s overall intensity.
Transfer Yaxel Lendeborg has been equally impactful, providing a steady, reliable presence in the frontcourt. Lendeborg’s strength and length have helped stabilize Michigan’s interior defense, while his ability to score from anywhere on the court gives the Wolverines a consistent option on offense. He’s also shown a strong feel for the game, making smart passes out of double teams and positioning himself well on both ends of the floor. In tight games, that composure matters — and Lendeborg has delivered it repeatedly. He's so versatile that he seems to shine in virtually every type of situation on either end of the court.
Then there’s Aday Mara, whose size alone changes the geometry of the court. The 7-3 Spaniard has given Michigan a true rim protector and a unique offensive weapon. When Mara is on the floor, opponents think twice before attacking the basket. Offensively, his touch around the rim and developing post game create matchup problems, especially for teams without comparable size. He's also proven to be an incredible passer for his positiond. His growth has been noticeable, and each appearance feels like another step toward unlocking his enormous potential.
Together, Johnson, Lendeborg, and Mara give Michigan a rare combination of energy, strength, and length. Against an Oregon team that thrives on pace and athleticism, controlling the paint will be critical. If this trio continues its current level of play, the Wolverines won’t just have an advantage inside — they’ll have a foundation capable of carrying them through the toughest stretches of Big Ten play and deep into the NCAA Tournament.