The long wait for the Michigan basketball season officially ends tonight.
We have seen the Wolverines play St. John's and Cincinnati in exhibition games. But things count for real tonight, starting with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
Greg Kampe is the longest-tenured head coach in college basketball. The Wolverines are entering the second season under head coach Dusty May. The expectations are high after a trip to the Sweet 16 last season, along with a Big Ten tournament championship.
Michigan landed what's arguably the best transfer portal class led by Yaxel Lendeborg. The Wolverines also signed former North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau, along with UCLA center Aday Mara, and Illinois center Morez Johnson.
Nimari Burnett, Will Tshetter, Roddy Gayle, and LJ Cason are also back from last season to add to five-star freshman Trey McKenney and sharpshooter Winters Grady.
All the pieces are in place for Michigan to contend for a national championship. The Wolverines are ranked seventh in the AP Poll. KenPom has them ranked 11th. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, one of the most anticipated in a long time, here are three bold predictions.
Yaxel will win Big Ten Player of the Year
The recruitment of Yaxel Lendeborg was pure genius by Dusty May. He needed someone who could replace Danny Wolf. Yaxel was one of the few players with a similar skillset, and despite having to wait out the NBA draft interest, the Wolverines landed the 6-foot-9 forward.
Lendeborg is a two-time American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He led the conference in rebounds the past two seasons. Last year, he averaged 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals, and 4.2 assists. That's in addition to 17.7 points per game.
Last season, Yaxel shot 35.7 percent from 3-point range. He's going to be one of the best scorers and defenders in the league. It won't be easy with Braden Smith, who is the Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, but under the tutelage of May, Yaxel will have his best season yet.
And it will be good enough to steal away the Big Ten Player of the Year Award.