NBA Prospect Yaxel Lendeborg Intends to Pull Out of the 2025 Draft
Michigan welcomes Yaxel Lendeborg, a projected late first-round NBA draft pick, who has decided to forgo his professional aspirations and spend his final collegiate season with the Wolverines. In a statement to ESPN, Lendeborg expressed his belief that the development and growth he will gain at the University of Michigan will be highly beneficial.
Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9 forward who spent the past season at UAB, averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. Known for his impressive productivity, he led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in multiple categories, including total rebounds, offensive rebounds, defensive boards, and blocks in the 2024-25 campaign. His outstanding performance earned him the AAC Defensive Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons.
Outside of his athletic prowess, Lendeborg made history by posting at least 600 points, 400 rebounds, and 150 assists in a season, joining NBA legend Larry Bird as one of only two players to achieve this feat in Division I since records have been kept.
Lendeborg, 22, was highly sought after following his tournament-leading performance with UAB in the NIT quarterfinals. However, he elected to join Michigan's roster after committing to coach Dusty May in early April. Lendeborg recently spent six weeks exploring the NBA draft process, including participating in the NBA draft combine and private team workouts.
Lendeborg's arrival at Michigan comes at a time when the team has already added other top transfers, including Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, Morez Johnson from Illinois, and Aday Mara from UCLA. Additionally, McDonald's All-American Trey McKenney is joining as a freshman wing.
Lendeborg will replace 7-footer Danny Wolf, a projected top-20 NBA draft pick who had a breakout season at Michigan. Speaking on the potential to replicate Wolf's success in May's system, Lendeborg stated, "I've been watching his games this season, and I wish that was me. I'm trying to bring the same versatility he brought to Michigan."
The NCAA deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and maintain their college eligibility is quickly approaching, on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET. As of now, Lendeborg looks set to bring his unique blend of scoring and defensive abilities to the Big Ten Conference, further enriching Michigan's roster and contributing to the team's bid for success in the upcoming season.
- Yaxel Lendeborg, a projected late first-round NBA draft pick, has decided to forego his professional aspirations and spend his final collegiate season assisting the Michigan Wolverines.
- Known for his impressive productivity, Lendeborg led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in multiple categories during the 2024-25 campaign, including total rebounds, offensive rebounds, defensive boards, and blocks.
- After committing to coach Dusty May in early April, Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9 forward, will join Michigan's roster alongside other top transfers, including Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, Morez Johnson from Illinois, and Aday Mara from UCLA.
- As the NCAA deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft approaches, Lendeborg looks set to bring his unique blend of scoring and defensive abilities to the Big Ten Conference, further enhancing Michigan's roster and potentially contributing to a successful season.
