The Michigan Wolverines are national champions! A sentence more than 35 years in the making finally exists. Confetti is still falling and drinks are still flowing, but with an unforgiving calendar, it’s already time to start thinking about next season’s title defense.
More importantly, who will be around to defend it? Yaxel Lendeborg, Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Will Tschetter are all out of eligibility, but several players still have decisions to make about their future as the transfer portal
and NBA Draft declaration windows open.
Head coach Dusty May is expected to, once again, be active in the portal, especially in the front court, however, his aggressiveness depends on his potential returners. With assurances from guards Elliott Cadeau and Trey McKenney, and the assumption that L.J. Cason will eventually return, let’s take a look at six other Wolverines who face decisions now that the season is over.
C Aday Mara
Aday Mara is widely projected to be drafted in the middle of the first round in the NBA Draft, and he could even sneak his way into the late lottery. Why? Because 7-foot-3 elite rim protectors who pass like guards do not grow on trees.
He has holes in his game, but he also has foundational, NBA-ready strengths that could immediately land him minutes in a rotation. Could Mara benefit from another year of seasoning as he refines his shot? Yes, especially with the 2027 NBA Draft looking historically weak. But after winning the national championship and with an increasing premium being placed on true fives at the next level, Mara turns pro.
Prediction: NBA Draft
F Morez Johnson Jr.
A month ago, I would have said there was no way Morez Johnson Jr. returns. But after an up-and-down final six weeks of the season, it is clear he could use another year to develop into a more consistent force on both ends of the court.
At his best, Johnson is a versatile defender who can guard anyone and bully-ball anyone out of his way on offense. At his worst, he struggles with fouls and finishing against defenders who match his physicality. Similar to Mara, he could go to the draft, and as of now, I say it’s 50/50. As a selfish optimist, MoJo returns to refine his game and develop into a lottery pick in 2027.
Prediction: Returns to Michigan
G/F Winters Grady
A January injury cut Grady’s freshman season short before he could ever crack the full-time rotation; a void that only grew larger once Cason went down with an injury. With the departure of Nimari Burnett, there will be a sharp-shooting role open. But with an anticipated influx of experienced transfers, it’s likely he explores his options as a leading man elsewhere instead of settling in as a role player in Ann Arbor.
Prediction: Transfer portal
F Oscar Goodman
Oscar Goodman has been First-Team All Vibes this season and plays an important role in team culture and chemistry. However, can he play an important role on the court? A former four-star recruit with a malleable game, Goodman can fit into a variety of roles, and although it is unlikely that he will ever be a superstar, could he be the next Will Tschetter? If that’s his destiny, he will be in Ann Arbor next season.
Prediction: Returns to Michigan
F Malick Kordel
Malick Kordel is RAW. A freak athlete with a high motor and still developing the rest of his game. He could leave if he wants more playing time immediately, or he could stick with the vision May sold to him during his recruitment, especially with the front court depth thinning out. Other offers will be enticing, but Kordel sticks with the program that stuck with him.
Prediction: Returns to Michigan
G/F Ricky Liburd
Ricky Liburd never saw the court this past season and likely never will. With the back court only growing more crowded by the hour with experienced players and a five-star freshman, Liburd takes his talents to try and crack a rotation at a new home.
Prediction: Transfer portal
