Yaxel Lendeborg Passed on the NBA and Became Michigan’s March Madness Monster
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, a former junior college and UAB player, chose to return to college basketball instead of entering the NBA draft, aiming to prove himself further and chase a national championship.
- Lendeborg delivered a dominant performance against Alabama with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, helping Michigan set a program record with its 34th win and solidify its top-10 draft prospect status.
- Known as the "Dominican LeBron," Lendeborg impresses with his versatility, guarding multiple positions and excelling offensively, all while maintaining a joyful and enthusiastic presence on and off the court.
- Overcoming early academic and personal challenges, Lendeborg credits his mother for his turnaround, and her presence at games motivates him to play aggressively and make the most of his college career.
- His teammates regard him as the best player in college basketball, highlighting his competitiveness and leadership as central to Michigan's success in the NCAA tournament.
