As Michigan gears up for a high-stakes clash with Oregon, the spotlight isn’t just on the scoreboard - it’s in the paint, where the Wolverines are quietly building one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the country. The trio of Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Aday Mara has emerged as the heartbeat of Dusty May’s rotation, combining grit, versatility, and size in a way that gives Michigan a real shot against anyone they face.
Let’s start with Morez Johnson Jr., the sophomore forward who plays like he’s got something to prove every night. Johnson’s motor is relentless - he’s the guy diving for loose balls, ripping down offensive boards, and sprinting back to disrupt transition plays.
You don’t have to watch long to see why he’s become such a key piece. He’s not just active - he’s impactful.
Johnson brings a level of physicality that sets the tone for Michigan’s defense and energizes the team. His rebounding instincts are elite, and his willingness to do the dirty work is the kind of intangible that doesn’t show up in every box score but wins games in March.
Then there’s Yaxel Lendeborg, the transfer who’s brought a calming presence to the frontcourt. Lendeborg isn’t flashy, but he’s incredibly effective.
He’s strong, long, and smart - three traits that make him a nightmare for opposing bigs. Defensively, he anchors the interior with poise, and offensively, he can stretch the floor or go to work down low.
What really stands out is his decision-making. Whether it’s passing out of a double team or rotating to the right spot on defense, Lendeborg consistently makes the right play.
He’s the kind of player who raises a team’s floor and ceiling at the same time.
And then there’s the 7-foot-3 wild card: Aday Mara. The Spanish big man is still developing, but his presence is already impossible to ignore.
Mara changes the geometry of the court just by being on it. He’s a true rim protector - the kind who makes guards second-guess a drive before they even cross half court.
Offensively, he’s got soft hands, a growing post game, and a rare ability to pass from the block. That last part is key.
He’s not just a towering presence - he’s a playmaker. Every game feels like a glimpse into what he could become, and the trajectory is pointing straight up.
Together, these three form a frontcourt with real bite. Johnson brings the energy, Lendeborg brings the balance, and Mara brings the size and upside.
It’s a trio that can rebound, defend, and score - and perhaps more importantly, they complement each other. Against an Oregon team that loves to push the pace and lean on athleticism, Michigan’s ability to control the paint could be the difference.
If this group continues to click the way it has, the Wolverines won’t just be tough to beat - they’ll be built to last deep into March.