Yaxel Lendeborg has decided to pause his pursuit of an NBA career by withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft. Instead, he plans to continue his development on the college basketball stage by enrolling at the University of Michigan. This decision comes after a commendable stint at UAB from 2023 to 2025, where Lendeborg showcased his skills as a standout player.
At just 22 years old, Lendeborg expressed his motivations for this choice, highlighting the importance of growth both on and off the court. “While it’s been and still is a dream of mine to play in the NBA, I feel the development and growth as a player and a person I will gain at the University of Michigan will be very beneficial,” he stated. He also extended his gratitude to Michigan coach Dusty May and the Champions Circle collective for facilitating this opportunity without pressure, as well as to the NBA teams that welcomed him during the pre-draft process.
Lendeborg’s impressive achievements include being named the AAC Tournament MVP in 2024 and earning both first-team All-AAC honors and the AAC Defensive Player of the Year award for the past two seasons.
As the deadline for withdrawing from the NBA Draft approaches, with players having until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. ET to maintain their college eligibility, Lendeborg’s decision reflects a strategic approach to honing his skills further.
This move can be viewed positively, as players often benefit from additional college experience, which can lead to better preparations for a professional career. By choosing to develop at Michigan, Lendeborg is taking a proactive step in enhancing his future prospects in basketball.