Potential First-Round Pick Leads Michigan to Big Win Against Ohio State

The Michigan Wolverines have been one of the top teams in college basketball throughout the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Ranked No. 2 in the nation, Michigan has earned a number of big wins this season, and now holds a 22-1 record. With a talented roster that includes multiple potential NBA draft picks, the Wolverines have a shot at being a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament next month.

A handful of those players shined for Michigan on Sunday as Dusty May's team came away with an 82-61 win against Ohio State. Wolverines big man Aday Mara led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 11-of-16 from the field and 2-of-3 from 3-point range.

Mara added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and zero turnovers against the Buckeyes.

This season, the junior center is averaging 10.8 points, 7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 66.4% from the field. Entering Michigan's contest against Ohio State, Mara had attempted just four attempts from 3-point range all season without a make.

The former UCLA big man may not be a consistent shooter yet, but Sunday's performance could be an indication that Mara has the potential to knock down a few shots from deep in his career.

Listed at 7-foot-3 and 255 pounds, the Mara's size, strength and defensive production could also make him a solid interior presence at the next level. In a recent mock draft, Derek Parker of NBA Draft on SI paired Mara with the Chicago Bulls at No. 12 overall.

As Michigan aims for a deep postseason run this year, Mara should get plenty of opportunity to showcase his skill set in big moments throughout the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness.

If the 20-year-old performs well down the stretch, Mara could cement himself as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Alongside Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg had a solid showing against Ohio State. Lendeborg also has the chance to be a lottery pick in the 2026 class, bolstering his case on Sunday.

The veteran forward finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block while shooting 5-of-9 from the field in Michigan's win. Sophomore forward Morez Johnson also notched a double-double, chipping in 11 points and 12 rebounds while committing zero turnovers.

Johnson has started to enter late first-round conversations and could secure a spot in the top 30 picks with a strong showing down the stretch.

Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.