UAB Standout Chooses Michigan

UAB standout and the hottest name in the NCAA transfer portal, Yaxel Lendeborg, has officially committed to the University of Michigan, as he revealed to ESPN on Saturday. This move is poised to elevate both Lendeborg’s career and the Wolverines’ standing as a powerhouse in college basketball.

"I love the culture Dusty May has brought to every team that he's coached," Lendeborg stated, referring to the head coach known for his transformative impact at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). "When I first started watching college basketball, it was FAU."

Lendeborg's Dual Approach to the NBA

Lendeborg, who is currently ranked as the No. 28 prospect in ESPN's latest draft projections, is taking a dual approach to his future. He plans to declare for the NBA Draft while keeping his eligibility intact for NCAA play. “I’m focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now,” he emphasized. “I want a guaranteed contract. That’s the biggest thing, to ensure I am in a good spot.”

The NBA has stringent contract structures, where first-round picks enjoy four-year, rookie-scale deals, and many second-round selections also receive substantial guarantees. For Lendeborg, the clock is ticking; he has until May 28 to make a call about his next chapter, especially after the NBA combine, which will take place from May 11-18 in Chicago.

Lendeborg's Impressive College Career

His college career was nothing short of spectacular—averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game while boasting shooting percentages of 55% from within the arc and 36% from beyond it. Lendeborg played a pivotal role in leading UAB to the NIT quarterfinals and, impressively, he became only the second player in NCAA Division I history to record over 600 points, 400 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single season, alongside the legendary Larry Bird.

Over the last two seasons, he garnered accolades as the Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-AAC honors. Interestingly, Lendeborg's rise to stardom is even more remarkable considering he came to UAB with minimal organized basketball experience, having played just 11 games as a high school senior. His mother’s decision to relocate him to a junior college in Arizona after he shone at a Dominican player exposure camp in New York proved critical to his development.

Reflecting on His Journey

Reflecting on his journey, he admitted, “I was more into video games than basketball for most of my life. I would play 19 hours a day; it was a religion for me.” However, moving to Arizona changed his trajectory: “That was the best thing that ever happened to me. It set the stage for my time at UAB, where Andy Kennedy became a father figure.”

Looking Ahead to the NBA

As he eyes his future, Lendeborg is prepared to step into the shoes left by 7-footer Danny Wolf, projected to be a top-20 draft pick following a landmark season at Michigan. Wolf’s versatility, playing multiple positions and effectively facilitating the offense, influenced Lendeborg's decision to join the Wolverines. “I admired what Dusty May did with Danny Wolf. Watching him play, I thought, ‘Man, I wish that was me.’ I’m eager to bring that same versatility to Michigan.”

The basketball world will be closely watching Lendeborg's next moves—will he choose the challenge of the NBA or return to refine his skills in college basketball? One thing is for sure: the excitement around this emerging star is just getting started. Stay tuned as we follow Lendeborg’s journey through the draft landscape and into the next chapter of his athletic career!