Michigan Wolverines Men’s Basketball: 2025-26 Season Preview

The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball program stands as one of the true pillars of college basketball—a powerhouse built on tradition, grit, and excellence. Competing in the Big Ten Conference at the Division I level, the Wolverines have forged a legacy that stretches from Cazzie Russell’s golden era to the new chapter unfolding under Dusty May. Their home, the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, remains a cathedral of college hoops—where legends are made and banners rise.

A Storied Legacy

Michigan’s resume glitters with accomplishments: one NCAA Championship, three NIT titles, 15 Big Ten regular-season crowns, and four Big Ten tournament championships (with one NIT and one Big Ten title later vacated). Beyond the banners, the Wolverines’ influence on the game itself is undeniable.

Over the decades, 35 Wolverines have earned All-American recognition 48 times, including eight consensus picks—icons like Cazzie Russell, Rickey Green, Gary Grant, Chris Webber, Trey Burke, Harry Kipke, Richard Doyle, and Bennie Oosterbaan. Russell remains the only three-time All-American in program history, a fitting emblem of Michigan’s enduring standard of excellence.

The Wolverines have also produced 77 NBA draftees, including 32 first-round picks. Two Wolverines—Russell and Webber—were selected No. 1 overall. In 1990, Rumeal Robinson, Loy Vaught, and Terry Mills became the third trio from one school to be drafted in the same first round. Six Wolverines have gone on to win nine NBA championships, while eight others have appeared in 18 NBA All-Star Games. Rudy Tomjanovich joined that elite fraternity by coaching the Houston Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, and Glen Rice remains one of few players to win championships at every level—high school, college, and NBA.

The program’s journey hasn’t been without turbulence—most notably the NCAA sanctions of the 1990s—but Michigan has always rebounded stronger, cementing its identity as a symbol of resilience and pride in the maize and blue.

The Dusty May Era: A New Standard

The arrival of Dusty May, the David and Meredith Kaplan Men’s Basketball Head Coach, has reignited Michigan basketball. After a six-year transformation at Florida Atlantic that culminated in a 2023 Final Four run, May took Ann Arbor by storm. In his first season (2024–25), he engineered a stunning turnaround: a 27–10 overall record and a 14–6 Big Ten mark, tripling the team’s previous win total.

Michigan’s 2025 Big Ten Tournament run was one for the ages—highlighted by a statement win over Purdue and a championship-clinching 59–53 victory over Maryland. That earned the Wolverines an automatic NCAA Tournament berth as the No. 5 seed in the South Region, where they defeated UC San Diego and Texas A&M en route to a sixth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. Though their run ended against top-seeded Auburn, the message was clear: Michigan basketball was back.

Individually, Vladislav Goldin earned First Team All-Big Ten honors (media) and Danny Wolf secured Second Team recognition from both coaches and media. Under May’s leadership, Michigan has rediscovered its balance, toughness, and identity—rooted in teamwork and relentless energy.

Michigan Made: Men’s Basketball | Episode 5

Player Spotlights

Will Tschetter – The Heartbeat of the Wolverines

At 6’8″, Will Tschetter embodies Michigan basketball’s grit. The Minnesota native has been a spark plug both on and off the court—an emotional leader, reliable scorer (6.4 ppg), and Academic All-Big Ten honoree. His seven double-digit scoring games in 2024–25, including a 17-point burst against Oregon, helped fuel Michigan’s Big Ten title run.

Yaxel Lendeborg – The Relentless Force

The 6’9″ forward from New Jersey arrives from UAB with staggering credentials—two-time All-American Conference First Team, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a 2024 Tournament MVP. Averaging 15.8 points and 11 rebounds per game, Lendeborg brings an intensity and maturity that will anchor Michigan’s frontcourt.

Nimari Burnett – The Veteran Leader

A Chicago native with stops at Texas Tech and Alabama, Burnett’s 2024–25 season in Ann Arbor was his best yet. Starting all 37 games, he averaged 9.4 points and shot a career-best from beyond the arc while serving as the team’s emotional compass. A steady hand in crunch time, Burnett exemplifies poise and preparation.

Charlie May – The Coach’s Son, The Team’s Spark

As the son of Dusty May, Charlie brings his father’s passion and intelligence to every possession. The Boca Raton native has earned his place through sheer effort and defensive intensity, contributing key minutes during Michigan’s 2025 Big Ten Tournament triumph.

Roddy Gayle Jr. – The Explosive Guard

The Niagara Falls native transferred from Ohio State and delivered a breakout season, scoring 1,002 career points to date. His 26-point outburst against Texas A&M in the 2025 NCAA Tournament epitomized his fearless play and ability to change games with his athleticism.

Aday Mara – The Towering Playmaker

At 7’3″, Spain’s Aday Mara brings rare size and skill. A transfer from UCLA, his passing instincts and touch around the rim make him one of college basketball’s most intriguing big men. His international pedigree adds invaluable experience to the Wolverines’ lineup.

Harrison Hochberg – The Reliable Grinder

A 6’7″ junior forward, Hochberg’s defensive toughness and team-first mentality make him an unsung hero. He contributed in Michigan’s 2025 Big Ten Tournament run and continues to shine academically with U-M Athletic Achievement honors.

Elliot Cadeau – The Floor General

The transfer from North Carolina is a game-changing addition for 2025–26. Known for his speed, vision, and creativity, Cadeau averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 assists per game at UNC. His ability to control tempo and elevate teammates will make him Michigan’s next great point guard.

Morez Johnson Jr. – The Enforcer

A 6’9″, 250-pound forward from Illinois, Johnson is a relentless rebounder and efficient scorer (64.2% FG). He averaged 7.0 points and 6.7 boards last season at Illinois and brings a blue-collar mentality to Michigan’s frontcourt.

Howard Eisley Jr. – The Next Generation

The son of former NBA guard Howard Eisley, this New York native embodies hustle and IQ. A key contributor in practice and limited minutes, he helped Michigan capture its fourth Big Ten Tournament crown in 2025.

L.J. Cason – The Energizer

The 6’2″ sophomore from Lakeland, Florida, impressed in his debut season—averaging 4.3 points and showcasing elite defensive instincts. His energy and composure have quickly earned him the trust of the coaching staff.

Oscar Goodman – The Kiwi Prospect

From New Zealand’s NBA Global Academy, Goodman brings a rare international edge. Though redshirted in 2025, his athleticism, playmaking, and versatility promise a bright future.

Malick Kordel – The German Giant

At 7’2″, Kordel is a powerful freshman center with a fascinating story. A former handball player, he blossomed into a basketball star in Germany’s ProB League, averaging 11.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. His game mirrors that of past Michigan greats Moritz and Franz Wagner.

Winters Grady – The Scoring Machine

An Oregon native and Top-100 recruit, Grady is a 6’6″ guard/forward known for his elite shot creation. He averaged 17 points per game at Prolific Prep and was pivotal in back-to-back Chipotle Nationals runs.

Trey McKenney – Michigan’s Hometown Phenom

The Flint native is one of the crown jewels of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class. A McDonald’s All-American and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, McKenney brings scoring, strength, and swagger to Ann Arbor. His 23.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as a senior underscore his elite talent.

Ricky Liburd – The Sharpshooting Star

The 6’4″ guard from Florida is a three-time state champion and Broward County Player of the Year. A 49% three-point shooter, Liburd is the purest shooter in the incoming class and a potential fan favorite in waiting.

The Maize and Blue March On

From Cazzie Russell to Chris Webber, from the Fab Five to the Dusty May era, Michigan basketball remains synonymous with heart, hustle, and high standards. Every generation has added new chapters to a legacy defined by resilience, unity, and the pursuit of greatness.

As this new era unfolds—with May’s leadership, a rejuvenated roster, and a fanbase hungry for more—the Wolverines stand poised to reclaim their place among college basketball’s elite.

This is Michigan Basketball. The legacy continues.