A May on a Mission: Breaking Down Michigan Basketball’s Offseason
Not too long ago, Michigan basketball was struggling to meet expectations under university legend Juwan Howard as head coach. Controversy surrounded the team, ranging from on-court altercations to inconsistent play and underwhelming finishes in the Big Ten. Despite early promise in his tenure, Howard failed to sustain a winning culture, leading to his departure. With the future of the program in question, Michigan brought in Dusty May, one of the sharpest minds in basketball, to reset the program.
In his first season, the Wolverines finished second in the Big Ten with a 27-10 record, losing in the Sweet 16. Now, with the program’s two best players, Danny Wolf and Vladislav Golden, heading to the NBA, May has been on a mission to keep his team competitive. Most outgoing transfers were developmental pieces, such as Sam Walters and Phat Phat Brooks, who were unlikely to contribute in the short term. However, losing Tre Donaldson, a scrappy starting point guard who averaged 11.3 points and four assists a game, is a more brutal blow. Still, May has responded with urgency by hitting the portal and crafting the second-best transfer class in the country.
Headlining the class is UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg, who recently opted to play another season of college ball rather than go pro. Yaxel was the best-ranked transfer in the nation and is likely to be one of the few transfers around whom a team can build around. The strong, versatile forward dominated mid-major basketball at UAB, averaging a double-double his entire collegiate career. Yaxel can do it all, switching onto multiple players while scoring from inside out. Joining him in the frontcourt next season will be Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. Mara, a seven-foot-three big, has had a rollercoaster of a collegiate career, projected to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft before his freshman season. Since then, he struggled to secure consistent minutes at UCLA, which ultimately led to his departure. Mara may not start at Michigan, but his savvy playmaking and soft touch should allow him to see the court more. Morez Johnson Jr. was one of the top prospects in the portal, having been a former McDonald’s All-American. His blend of strength and motor gives Michigan a physical presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Another top-tier transfer Michigan landed was former five-star point guard Elliot Cadeau. The former Tar Heel will replace Donaldson in the starting lineup, acting as Michigan’s primary playmaker and offensive engine. Cadeau is an exceptionally talented passer with a high IQ and a knack for controlling the pace of the game. His shooting has hindered him throughout his college career, as teams have no problem giving him the time to shoot. However, surrounded by capable scorers, he’ll have more room to operate than he did at North Carolina. Taking the pressure off Cadeau will be two starters set to return to Ann Arbor, Roddy Gayle Jr, and Nimari Burnett. Both veterans are expected to start and provide valuable continuity on the wing. Gayle offers athleticism, defensive versatility, and slashing ability, while Burnett brings experience, shot-making, and toughness on both ends of the floor.
