On Tuesday, Morez Johnson officially announced that he is staying in the NBA draft. This was expected after Johnson's incredible NBA combine performance, in which he significantly increased his draft stock. Had Johnson returned to Ann Arbor for another season, Michigan Basketball likely would've been the favorite to win the title. Now, there's a bit more uncertainty.
Will Michigan add another transfer?
Michigan has already added three transfers to their front court: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, LSU transfer Jalen Reed, and Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella. Thiam is more of a Aday Mara replacement, while Reed is more of a four. Estrella can, and will, play both the four and the five.
The Wolverine's Clayton Sayfie reported that, according to assistant Mike Boynton, there's "a small chance" that the Wolverines will add another transfer. If Michigan does opt to add another transfer, I'd keep my eyes on some international prospects. The recent hiring of Mody Maor, who has been a head coach in both New Zealand and Japan over the past few years, as an assistant will give the Wolverines an advantage with some international prospects.
While no names have really emerged yet, with there being just 8 days until the deadline for players to remove their name from the draft and maintain college eligibility, any movement would have to happen quickly. Dusty May, in all likelihood, is going to have some conversations with potential transfers. But whether or not anything comes from that is the question.
What will the starting lineup look like next season?
As things stand right now, the most likely starting lineup is: Elliot Cadeau at the one, Trey McKenney and Brandon McCoy at the two and three (both can play either), Estrella at the four, and Thiam at the five. It's important to keep in mind that Jalen Reed has spent the majority of the past two seasons injured, so Dusty May likely won't be rushing him to return to the floor.
That starting lineup is extremely talented. Thiam and Estrella are going to be a nightmare for opposing teams in the paint. Elliot Cadeau just won the most outstanding player in the Final Four. Trey McKenney had an incredible freshman season. And Brandon McCoy is a potential top 10 pick in next year's NBA draft. This is a team that is going to be tough to beat
While it sucks to lose a talent like Morez Johnson, Michigan is going to be great once again next season. It'll be interesting to see if the Wolverines end up adding another piece, or if they go with the roster they already have. For now, however, be happy for Morez Johnson, Aday Mara, and Yaxel Lendeborg. Those three played a huge role in turning Michigan basketball around, and all three are going to hear their names called in the NBA draft next month.
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