​On the opening day in Las Vegas, it was easy to see why Michigan coasted to the top as the clear-cut best team in college basketball last season. If winning a national championship wasn’t sufficient proof, their three-headed frontcourt trio underscored why all three were selected in the top 12 of the 2026 NBA draft. The Golden State Warriors pulled away in their 101-90 Summer League win over the Dallas Mavericks, but the final margin mattered less than the way their top prospects performed. Both teams can take confidence from how their respective highly touted young players shined in the early showcase, especially as they begin to translate college success into professional potential.
Morez Johnson Jr. lived up to his late-blooming hype in the 2026 NBA draft, a rise that helped him land with the Mavericks at the No. 9 pick and become the first Michigan product off the board. He finished with an efficient 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting, complemented by eight rebounds and three assists, along with three steals and two blocks. His play illustrated why he was viewed as a dynamic, impactful scorer who can contribute on multiple fronts, a profile that has impressed scouts and fans alike as he steps into the pro ranks.
Meanwhile, Yaxel Lendeborg continued to answer skeptics with steady, impactful production. He posted 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, added 10 rebounds, and dished out six assists. The 23-year-old was selected with the No. 11 pick, and his line in this Summer League outing reinforced the narrative that he can function as a versatile wing who brings energy and reliable production to both ends of the floor. Lendeborg’s performance, paired with his rebounding and playmaking touch, suggested he could be a useful two-way contributor as his career progresses.
Then there’s Aday Mara, who went to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the No. 12 pick. Mara has logged a few Summer League appearances in Utah, but none have matched the standout box-score numbers that Johnson Jr. and Lendeborg posted during their clash. Still, it’s important not to overreact to Summer League statistics; the league is as much about development and evaluation as it is about results over a single game. Mara’s presence remains an intriguing project for OKC, and his potential to grow into a complementary frontcourt piece is something Thunder fans are watching with interest.
Social media offered a window into how these players view their paths, and Mara did not hide his admiration for his Michigan teammates after their head-to-head matchup. The Wolverines’ dominance in college ball, driven by Johnson Jr., Lendeborg, and their frontcourt partner, has carried over into the early stages of their pro journeys. The trio fed off each other to power Michigan to one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory, and they’re now taking the next big step toward establishing themselves as foundational pieces for their NBA franchises.
As the Summer League unfolds, the narrative remains clear: the results of these early games are less about the final score and more about the trajectories of the draft selections and how quickly they adapt to the pace, physicality, and responsibilities of professional basketball. Johnson Jr. demonstrated a refined scoring instinct and efficiency, Lendeborg showcased his all-around versatility and playmaking, and Mara—though still carving out his own niche—added an element of long-term potential that Thunder fans are eager to see realized. The common thread is simple yet powerful: Michigan’s star power is making its way into the NBA, and the early signs suggest these players are poised to build meaningful careers at the highest level. This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Aday Mara shows love to 2 former Michigan teammates after Summer League clash for better SEO.