Rapid reaction to Michigan’s (1-0) 121 – 78 win over Oakland (0-1).
The Moment
In complete desperation, Oakland guard Brody Robinson wanted to heave one up from the right wing. Just ahead of the first-half under-12 timeout, the Golden Grizzlies were already down 30-10. The ball barely left the 5-foot-11 Robinson’s hands when Michigan sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. sent it into oblivion. If Johnson’s perfect 4-for-4 start hadn’t already deflated Oakland, his block on the other end did the trick.
Officially, the play was scored as a shot clock violation before Robinson got the shot off. But Johnson made his point. And at triple the Golden Grizzlies’ score, Michigan had already flexed itself offensively against an inferior Horizon League opponent throughout the opening eight minutes and beyond. Johnson just made the Wolverines’ prowess on both ends crystal clear.
The Takeaway
Michigan’s frontcourt was supposed to feast on the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland has neither the size nor the skill to compete with Johnson, junior center Aday Mara, or graduate forward Yaxel Lendebord.
Yet, it was hard not to be impressed by the trio’s performance in the Wolverines’ opener. Especially when all three’s play matched what Michigan coach Dusty May has said about them leading up to the season.
Mara received a lob from junior forward Elliot Cadeau on the Wolverines’ first two possessions. Even if having to catch it and go back up on the first was a sign that Cadeau and Mara’s connection is still in the works, the second one exemplified them at their best. Cadea udrove in from the corner, drawing the eyes of the Golden Grizzlies in zone, and threw it up for Mara perfectly. Mara brought it down cleanly without hesitation.
With his right wrist wrapped, Lendeborg took a backseat in the opener. Checking just before the under-16 timeout in the first half, the Wolverines were already up 14-10. Lendeborg didn’t need to be in All-American form for this one, but had his moments to remind everyone that’s his ceiling, though.
Lendeborg hit a left corner three for his first basket just after checking in. A few plays later, he navigated a double in the opposite corner, finding Johnson in the post, where he drew a foul. Then defensively, Lendeborg chased down forward Tuburu Naivalurua on a fast break for a block. As anticipated, Lendeborg impacted every aspect of the game.
And Johnson, he was the most impressive of them all.
The Star
With Preseason All-American Lendeborg coming off the bench due to a minor injury, Johnson made a surprise start — and was the best player on the court.
Johnson had his way inside against Oakland’s smaller frontcourt from the jump. En route to a career-high 24 points, Johnson recorded 14 of the Wolverines’ first 34, only missing on two 3-point attempts. The way Johnson played Monday suggests he probably would come off the bench behind only a few power forwards in the country, maybe even just Lendeborg.
The Stat
Michigan also handled Oakland efficiently last year when the two met in an exhibition game. Sure, the Wolverines scored more points or shot the ball better Monday night than a year ago, but their turnover figure can’t be overlooked either.
Michigan committed just eight turnovers in Monday’s opener, and only four in the first half. After two exhibition games in which it looked like the Wolverines’ Achilles’ heel would again be ball security despite a refreshed roster, Monday provides some optimism it won’t be. Especially when Michigan’s point guard Cadeau only gave it away once while recording 12 assists, the most by a Wolverine since 2021.
Four Factors & Stats
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