Loaded NBA draft class continues successful year for Big Ten men’s basketball

It’s been nothing short of a banner year for Big Ten men’s basketball.

In April, Michigan became the first Big Ten men’s basketball champion in 26 years. In the same tournament, Illinois appeared in its first Final Four since 2005, No. 8 seed Iowa upset the reigning champion Florida Gators en route to the Elite Eight, and six teams from the conference made the Sweet Sixteen.

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The Big Ten carried the momentum forward this week in the 2026 NBA Draft with 11 selections. Such a big class has practically become routine for the conference. In 2025, 10 Big Ten players came off the board, with seven in the first round. Former Rutgers Scarlet Knight Dylan Harper headlined the 2025 group at No. 2 overall and has quickly become a vital piece for the contending San Antonio Spurs. The trend goes back even further, as 10 or more Big Ten players have been drafted in four out of the last five years.

This year’s Big Ten NBA class is talented and deep. Big Ten Freshman of the Year Keaton Wagler was selected fifth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers after a year at Illinois. At 6’5”, Wagler is a tall guard with impressive footwork and sharp shooting who has proven that he can meet the moment, scoring 25 in the Elite Eight against Iowa and dropping a career-high 46 points in a road win against No. 4 Purdue back in January.
Michigan’s three-headed monster of Morez Johnson Jr., Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Aday Mara were selected No. 9, 11, and 12 by the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively. The trio created a dominant frontcourt that helped the Wolverines win their first national championship in 37 years.

NBA: Draft-Red Carpet

Michigan has three players drafted in the lottery for first time in school history

Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara were all taken in the first 12 picks.

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The Charlotte Hornets rounded out the lottery, picking former…

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Publish date : 2026-06-25 22:07:00

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