Yaxel Lendeborg opens up on looming NBA Draft decision, potential return to college

Michigan transfer commit Yaxel Lendeborg is ’50/50′ on his decision to return to college or remain in the 2025 NBA Draft. Coming in as a top transfer from UAB this offseason while also declaring for the draft, he opened up on his looming decision while participating at the combine in Chicago this week.

“I’m pretty even,” Lendeborg said, via Jeff Borzello. “I love Michigan, I love the idea of going over there and developing. But the NBA is what everybody wants. I’m dead in the middle now. It’s hard.”

Lendeborg said that he wants to be a top 20 pick in next month’s NBA Draft. He wants to be in a “safe” position that will help him land a guaranteed contract.

The Michigan commit has spent the past two seasons with the UAB Blazers after playing the three years prior at Arizona Western as a JUCO. Over his two seasons in Birmingham where he was All-AAC First Team and AAC Defensive Player of the Year in both, Lendeborg posted 15.8 points (51.8% FG), 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.2 steals. That includes this past season where, as a senior, averaged 17.7 points (52.2% FG), 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals.

As for his time at a JUCO, Lendeborg put up 13.2 points (67.9% FG), 11.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals. That made him one of the best players at the level as a consecutive honoree as ACCAC Player of the Year and a two-time selection as a NJCAA All-American.

He committed to Michigan on April 5, but at the same time he entered the portal following the 2024-25 college basketball season, he also put his name in the NBA Draft. Depending on the feedback he receives this week from NBA scouts and personnel at the combine, it could greatly impact his decision.

His he does return to college, the Wolverines will be getting one of the most talented transfers college basketball has to offer. After proving himself in multiple stages at his level, he’s either set to take the stage at the forefront of college basketball, or potentially hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft.

The transfer portal wire provides a real-time feed of player activity, including basic player profile information, transfer portal ranking and original On3 Industry recruiting ranking, as well as NIL valuation (name, image and likeness).

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.