Michigan basketball fans have been waiting for more transfer portal commitments, but more important than that are the NBA draft decisions of Aday Mara and Morez Johnson.
Both have been projected as first-round picks. That was the case before the NCAA Tournament, and before the Final Four, where Mara dominated, especially against Arizona, where his offensive skills were on full display.
Mara's 26-point effort, on 11-of-16 shooting, with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks, certainly moved him into the lottery range, or it should have.
It was hard to see him coming back to the Wolverines after that. He didn't score as well against UConn, but his defensive impact is a major reason Michigan basketball won its first national championship in 37 years.
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year hasn't announced a decision. Before he does, his Michigan basketball teammate, Morez Johnson, is trying to influence him to stay, at least he was on a social media post from Thursday.
Did Morez Johnson just drop a hint about his NBA draft decision?
Could mean something, could mean nothing:
— Barstool UofM (National Champs) (@BarstoolUofM) April 17, 2026
Morez Johnson comments “one more year” under Aday Mara’s most recent Instagram post. pic.twitter.com/TyoRINd8g6
Mara posted a picture of himself with the NCAA championship trophy, to which Johson responded in a comment, "One more year."
As Barstool of UM points out, it could mean something, it could mean nothing. It feels like Michigan basketball has the best chance of keeping Johnson, who should be a late-first-round pick, but could improve his draft stock with another season in Ann Arbor.
If Johnson could continue to develop offensively, especially the 3-point shot he flashed some late in the season, his value could skyrocket. His return would be massive.
However, if Johnson could somehow convince Mara to return with him, Michigan would be the favorite to cut down the nets again in Detroit in 2027.
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