Analysis of the NBA Draft decisions facing Michigan basketball players Aday Mara and Will Johnson Jr., focusing on the benefits of Johnson Jr. returning to school to improve his draft stock and expand his game.
The future of Michigan basketball players Aday Mara and Will Johnson Jr. is currently a major topic of discussion as they weigh their options regarding the 2026 NBA Draft.
Mara is widely considered a likely first-round pick, almost a certainty to declare for the draft, while Johnson Jr.'s decision is far more complex. Current mock drafts project Johnson Jr. as a late first-round selection, potentially landing between the 18th and 20th overall pick.
However, the evolving landscape of college athletics, particularly the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, presents a compelling case for him to return to school. Players can now participate in the NBA Draft process – including the Combine – without signing with an agent, allowing them to gather information and assess their draft stock before committing to a professional career. This flexibility is a significant factor in Johnson Jr.'s potential decision-making process.
The NBA Combine, scheduled for May 10-17, provides a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their skills to NBA scouts and executives. Following the Combine, players have a ten-day window to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to college.
Former Michigan legend Tim McCormick recently articulated strong arguments for Johnson Jr. to return to Ann Arbor, drawing parallels to the situation of current Michigan player Tarris Reed Jr. Reed, after a successful season with UAB, participated in the Combine but ultimately chose to transfer to Michigan to further develop his game under coach Dusty May. McCormick’s reasoning centers on the idea of ‘betting on yourself’ – recognizing that continued development in a structured college environment can significantly improve a player’s draft stock.
Reed’s trajectory exemplifies this strategy; he was projected as a first-round pick last season but is now widely expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. Johnson Jr. finds himself in a similar position. He could enter the draft as a late first-round prospect, or he could return to Michigan and become the focal point of the Wolverines’ frontcourt, especially with Mara’s likely departure.
While Michigan will undoubtedly pursue another big man through the transfer portal, Johnson Jr. is poised to be a dominant force in the post. Beyond simply maintaining his draft position, returning to Michigan offers Johnson Jr. a valuable opportunity to expand his skillset, particularly his perimeter game. While he excels at rebounding and interior play, his height of 6'9" necessitates the development of outside shooting and ball-handling abilities to succeed in the NBA.
Johnson Jr. demonstrated improvement in his three-point shooting this season, connecting on 34.3% of his attempts after struggling from beyond the arc at Illinois. McCormick emphasizes the importance of continuing this progress and adding the ability to create shots off the dribble. He advises Johnson Jr. to ‘expand your game,’ recognizing that his physical strength and toughness are already significant assets.
Developing perimeter skills will elevate Johnson Jr.’s potential from a role player to a consistent starter and contributor in the NBA. Ultimately, the decision rests with Johnson Jr., but a return to Michigan for another season appears to be a strategically sound move, offering him the chance to maximize his potential and solidify his position as a high-level NBA prospect. The author, Trent, has been covering Michigan athletics since 2020 and brings a credentialed media perspective to the analysis
Michigan Basketball NBA Draft Will Johnson Jr. Aday Mara NIL NBA Combine
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