Michigan Wolverines make history with three first round picks selected in 2026 NBA Draft
- Chas Post
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read
The Michigan Wolverines made history with three former players — Morez Johnson Jr, Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg — selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking just the second time in program history!
After winning a national title for the first time in nearly four decades, Michigan has now cemented itself as one of the nation's premier programs by producing the most first round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Johnson Jr. was drafted with the 9th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the aftermath of an All-Big Ten season at Michigan. The Illinois native will reunite with former Michigan head coach Dusty May in Dallas.
Lendeborg was taken with the 11th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors following a historic campaign, taking home Big Ten Player of the Year and going down as one of Michigan's best players ever.
Mara was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder after being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. The 7-foot-3, 260-pound center will now join the 2025 NBA champions.
The Wolverines had three lottery picks for the first time ever and became just the third NCAA champion to have three lottery picks in a single NBA Draft class since 1985, capping off an unforgettable year!
2026 NBA Draft selections
9. Mavericks: Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan forward)
11. Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan forward)
12. Thunder: Aday Mara (Michigan center)
