Michigan's Frontcourt Trio Sparks Fearsome Rise

Dusty May credits Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin's influence for inspiring Michigan's dominant, physical, and skilled frontcourt this season.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 2:31am

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After consecutive losses to Michigan State last season, Michigan men's basketball coach Dusty May overhauled his team's frontcourt, adding three powerful players - Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara - who have become essential to Michigan's defensive and offensive identity. May highlighted the success of past frontcourt duo Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin as a blueprint for the current group, emphasizing the importance of respect, competition, and blending skill sets rather than imposing traditional roles.

Why it matters

Michigan's revamped frontcourt has been critical to the team's rise to a No. 2 national ranking and breakthrough wins like their recent victory over rival Michigan State. The frontcourt's blend of toughness, skill, and team harmony is expected to play a key role in the team's national championship aspirations.

The details

Within 11 days, May secured graduate forward Yaxel Lendeborg, sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr., and junior center Aday Mara, creating a frontcourt group known for their intimidating defense and significant scoring contributions. Their combined 46 points helped stifle Michigan State's interior attack in a recent win at Breslin Center, Michigan's first road triumph at the venue in eight years.

  • Last season, Michigan suffered consecutive losses to a highly ranked Michigan State team.
  • During the offseason, May overhauled the frontcourt by adding Lendeborg, Johnson, and Mara within 11 days.
  • In a recent victory over rival Michigan State at Breslin Center, the frontcourt trio combined for 46 points.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan men's basketball team who overhauled the frontcourt during the offseason.

Danny Wolf

A former Michigan player known nationally as a versatile stretch big, whose partnership with Vlad Goldin exemplified May's innovative coaching approach.

Vlad Goldin

A former Michigan player who came off a standout run to the 2023 Final Four with Florida Atlantic University, and whose pick-and-roll chemistry with Danny Wolf set a blueprint for the current frontcourt.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A graduate forward who is part of Michigan's revamped frontcourt trio.

Morez Johnson Jr.

A sophomore forward who is part of Michigan's revamped frontcourt trio.

Aday Mara

A junior center who is part of Michigan's revamped frontcourt trio.

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What they’re saying

“I think they all bought in because of the vision our team played with last year, as far as outside-the-box-thinking, and Danny (Wolf) and Vlad (Goldin) did a lot of that.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“They did something you don't see from two seven footers. They were out there playing jazz together.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“Their personality traits allow them to (compete with each other), but also respect each other.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“If you want to win big, you don't go where there aren't any good players. … You don't have to put up big numbers, you just have to be efficient and win.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

What’s next

Michigan will look to continue their strong frontcourt play as they aim for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Michigan's revamped frontcourt, inspired by the example set by former players Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, has become a key factor in the team's rise to national prominence. The blend of toughness, skill, and team harmony in the paint has been critical to Michigan's success and will likely play a crucial role in their pursuit of a national championship.