This article was adapted from my 2026 bracket advice. You can get the full bracket advice by becoming a member of The Power Rank (use the code bracket for $20 off until the tournament tips at 12:15pm on Thursday) or as a separate product.
Michigan is a prime contender to win the tournament because of height along the front line. These three players shoot a high percentage from two, block shots and rebound on both ends of the floor.
- Yaxel Lendeborg, 6’9”, 240 lbs.
- Morez Johnson, 6’9”, 250 lbs.
- Aday Mara, 7’3”, 255 lbs.
These players lead a team ranked 6th on offense and 3rd on defense in my adjusted points per possession. Overall, Michigan ranks 3rd in my member college basketball rankings heading into the tournament.
Lendeborg is the best player on this team and most likely a lottery pick in the next NBA draft. To nitpick, Lendeborg spends much of his time on the offensive end on the perimeter, presumably working on his game for the next level. This is not as effective as having him impose his will with his hulking frame near the basket.
However, Lendeborg’s three point shooting has improved lately. This is something you might expect from a player with a high free throw percentage, since these two quantities are correlated for players.
Michigan got dealt a huge blow when back up point guard LJ Cason went down with a season ending knee injury. Cason is a high ceiling player who made 61% of this twos and 40% of his threes this season. His play could take minutes away from starting point guard Elliot Cadeau, the transfer from North Carolina.
Cadeau started the season hot from three as he made 40% in out of conference games. However, he has regressed to 35% in Big Ten games.
If Michigan has a soft spot on offense, its turnovers. They rank 104th in my adjusted turnover rate, and Cadeau can be better in this area.
Without Cason, Michigan has spread the minutes out among the eight regulars somewhat equally. Another one of those players to note is freshman Trey McKenney, another bench player who should start. McKenney has exceptional shooting numbers (57% on two point shots, 91% from the line) and is fearless in attacking the basket on offense. He will fill in at point guard when necessary.
When Michigan gets tested in the tournament, I think it comes down to how Cadeau plays. The injury to Cason hurts because he gave Michigan a second option to excel at point guard.
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