Emotions ran high for Yaxel Lendeborg when he learned that his former coach, Dusty May, was heading to the NBA to join the Dallas Mavericks. The Big Ten Player of the Year and projected lottery pick for the 2026 NBA Draft admitted he was nearly brought to tears by the news. “I know I’m not playing there next year, but I felt heartbroken,” Lendeborg shared during NBA draft media day. “I’m happy for him. He deserves it; he’s a really good coach, really good guy.”
May’s move to the Mavericks comes after an impressive tenure at Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1989. His departure reportedly involves finalizing a deal with Dallas, despite having four years left on his contract, which includes a $5 million penalty for leaving early.
Lendeborg wasn’t alone in his surprise; fellow Wolverines Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., also anticipated first-round picks, expressed similar feelings about May’s decision. In just two seasons at Michigan, May amassed a remarkable 64-13 record, clinching a Big Ten Tournament title and making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
As the Mavericks prepare for the upcoming draft, they hold the No. 9 pick, and May has only a day to strategize. Interestingly, he may have the chance to select one of his former players. While Johnson has not been in contact with the Mavericks, Lendeborg and Mara have both engaged with the team and are keen on making the move to Texas. “He better draft me or I’ll be upset,” Lendeborg joked, highlighting the camaraderie and connection they share with May.
Mara, who recently completed a workout with Dallas, noted that the session went exceptionally well, even though he hasn’t heard from May directly. The Mavericks could potentially have another opportunity to draft either player if they fall to their second pick, No. 30.
Regardless of how the draft unfolds, Lendeborg, Mara, and Johnson are all confident that May will thrive in the professional arena. Johnson remarked that May’s coaching style already resembled that of an NBA coach. The trio, recruited to Michigan with the promise of NIL opportunities and championship aspirations, believe that May’s experience in managing talent and egos will serve him well in the league.
“One of his abilities is being able to learn and being able to change the game,” Mara said. “He is obsessed with basketball, so if he needs to change something or if he needs to do something else that he didn’t do in college, he will do it.”
As the excitement builds for the draft, fans are left wondering how May’s transition to the NBA will unfold and what it means for the future of these talented players.
