On June 23 Dusty May left Michigan to become the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. On the same night he got to witness three of his former players get picked in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Cameras shifted to May when Oklahoma City selected Aday Mara with the No. 12 overall pick, capturing the coach’s priceless reaction which went viral.
The clip showed May getting fired up, clapping and celebrating as Mara got selected by Oklahoma City.
Just prior to this the Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick. and two picks later, the Golden State Warriors drafted Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 and to put the cherry on top Mara got picked at No. 12 marking all three Michigan players being picked in the first round itself.
The trio helped Michigan win its first national championship since 1989 during last season.
With these selections the Wolverines became the third reigning national champion since 1985 to produce three first-round NBA Draft picks in the same class.
A Championship Team Sends Three Players to the NBA
Johnson transferred from Illinois, Lendeborg arrived from UAB, and Mara transferred from UCLA and each played a huge role in Michigan’s championship run.
Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in the last season, and fans are eager to see how he will do in the NBA.
The Mavericks selected Johnson with the ninth overall pick just hours after officially introducing May as their new head coach.
“Man, it’s insane. The Michigan Mavs now,” Johnson said after being selected by Dallas.
While May may no longer be coaching the Wolverines, his contribution for biggest draft nights in program history will always be remembered.
And judging by his animated reaction to Mara’s selection, watching three former Wolverines become first round picks was a moment the new Mavericks coach enjoyed every bit as much as Michigan fans.
Also Read:
‘Can’t Even Tell My Kid’: A.J. Dybantsa Shares One ‘Disappointing’ Regret From BYU Freshman Season
“Indian Wemby”: 7’4″ Hooper Draws Fan Comparisons With Victor Wembanyama as World in Awe of Talent
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
