Yaxel Lendeborg joins Michigan after leaving NBA draft process

Yaxel Lendeborg opted to play at Michigan for the 2025-26 season instead of staying in the NBA draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

"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," Lendeborg said.

Lendeborg was seen as a potential first-round pick. He averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 55% from the field and 36% from three at UAB this past season. The 6-foot-9 forward earned All-AAC first-team and conference Defensive Player of the Year nods in back-to-back seasons.

The 22-year-old was seen as the top player available in the transfer portal. He committed to play for the Wolverines and head coach Dusty May in April while exploring the NBA draft process, going to the combine and privately working out for teams, according to Givony.

"I'd like to thank Coach May and staff for allowing me to go through this process without any pressure, the Champions Circle collective for helping make this opportunity possible, and all the NBA teams I worked out for, allowing me to experience the pre-draft process," Lendeborg said.

Michigan went 27-10 in May's first season. The Wolverines won the Big Ten Tournament and returned to March Madness for the first time since 2022, losing to Auburn in the Sweet 16.

The Wolverines have also added North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau, Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr., and UCLA center Aday Mara from the transfer portal.