Return of Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr. transforms Michigan’s frontcourt

When asked about how the No. 7 Michigan men’s basketball team was impacted by the return of junior center Aday Mara and sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. for the second exhibition game against No. 7 St. John’s, Wolverines coach Dusty May was utterly clear.

“I think if you took two of the best players off any team, they’d look a little bit different,” May said Monday. “It’s just what they bring to the table as far as size, physicality, athleticism, length, but also certainly, the intangibles helped as well.”

Mara and Johnson — who played about 24 and 22 minutes, respectively — both showed why they’re going to be big-time contributors for Michigan just from their performances against the Red Storm alone. In their first exhibition against Cincinnati, a 100-98 loss, the Wolverines were without the two bigs, and the rebounding, passing, and high-level plays in the paint were lacking on both ends of the floor.

But against St. John’s, Mara and Johnson proved why, just like last year, the versatility of Michigan’s front court could lead to similar levels of success as a season ago.

Mara finished the game in Madison Square Garden with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, a stat line that emphasized just how balanced he will be for the Wolverines. Despite the well-rounded performance, May knows Mara still left much to be desired.

“Aday is a pressure release and rim protector, and he didn’t play anywhere near his capability in the first half,” May said. “I thought the second half he played a good, good, solid game.”