Yaxel Lendeborg, a highly sought-after transfer portal talent from UAB, has officially committed to Michigan basketball, bringing his impressive skills and experience to Ann Arbor. The 6-foot-9 forward, who recently participated in the NBA combine, had been weighing his options regarding a potential professional career but ultimately decided to continue his college journey, aiming to enhance his draft stock before the 2025-26 season.
Having earned the title of the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and concluding the 2024-25 season as a first-team all-league selection, Lendeborg averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.8 blocks over 37 games. His arrival is particularly notable as he is set to fill the void left by Danny Wolf, who is expected to be a top-20 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Lendeborg’s interest in Michigan solidified following a visit in late April, during which he engaged actively on social media, sharing moments from his trip and swiftly changing his profile picture to reflect the maize and blue colors of the Wolverines.
This decision marks a significant achievement in what has been a thrilling offseason for Michigan, which has also welcomed five-star point guard Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina, five-star center Aday Mara from UCLA, and top-40 big man Morez Johnson from Illinois. The Wolverines successfully retained key players such as Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle Jr., Will Tschetter, and L.J. Cason, and have added promising incoming freshmen, including McDonald’s All-American Trey McKenney.
Despite some departures from the program, including Tre Donaldson and Justin Pippen, the overall depth and talent of the roster suggests that Michigan is poised for a strong season ahead. With high expectations for a potential top-10 ranking, some sources even anticipate they could break into the top five, signaling a bright future for the program.
This successful recruitment highlights the Wolverines’ commitment to building a competitive team, creating an optimistic environment for their upcoming season. Fans can look forward to an exciting year of basketball as Lendeborg and his teammates aim for success on the court.