Morez Johnson Jr. reunites with former Michigan HC Dusty May on monumental night for Wolverines in 2026 NBA Draft

Johnson started all 40 games, averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds. He was particularly instrumental in Michigan's title game win over UConn with 12 points and 10 rebounds, a game in which the Wolverines defense outshined its explosive offense.

While he is still developing his three-point shot, Johnson still scored the second-most points on the team (524) last season and earned All-Big Ten second-team honors from the coaches for his efforts.

Although the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg No. 1 overall last season and are expected to get star guard Kyrie Irving back from a torn left ACL, they missed the playoffs for a second straight season with a 26-56 record and are still trying to overcome the shocking trade of Luka Doncic during the 2024-25 season.

With that said, Johnson was someone May loved coaching and could be a good fit. After all, May led the Wolverines to a combined 64-13 record in two seasons and will look to find the same success in Dallas with a familiar face on the roster.

Michigan has historic night at draft

Shortly after Johnson was selected, the Golden State Warriors drafted the Big Ten Player of the Year Lendeborg at No. 11. In addition to a team-high 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists, Lendeborg scored in double figures 31 times and is versatile on both ends of the court.

Immediately after Lendeborg was drafted, Mara was selected at No. 12 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 7-foot-3, 255-pounder was a force to be reckoned with, scoring a career-high 26 points in Michigan's emphatic Final Four win over Arizona and setting the program's single-season record for blocks (103).

In addition to being the first time that Michigan has had three lottery picks in one draft, Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press noted that the Wolverines are the first program since Florida in 2007 to have three non-freshmen selected in the first round.

This was a memorable night on multiple accounts for Michigan following its title-winning season, but it all started with Johnson at No. 9.

While Lendeborg and Mara had their moments to shine as well, Johnson will rejoin his former HC in Dallas looking to recreate the same success they experienced together in Ann Arbor.