UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg enters NCAA Transfer Portal

UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Joe Tipton. Lendeborg is also declaring for the NBA Draft.

Lendeborg has been at UAB for the past two seasons. He transferred to UAB after spending his first two collegiate seasons at Arizona Western College — a JUCO program. While there, he was a two-time NJCAA All-American and a back-to-back ACCAC Player of the Year.

Lendeborg’s success didn’t slow down at UAB. He averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 assists per game this season while shooting 52.2% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.

In UAB’s 94-77 win over East Carolina in the first round of the AAC Tournament, Lendeborg exploded for season-highs of 30 points and 20 rebounds, along with eight assists, four blocks and five steals. For his efforts, he was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year and an All-AAC First-Team selection for the second consecutive season.

Lendeborg’s 420 rebounds this season are the most in program and conference history. He will immediately be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal this offseason.

Of course, there’s a chance Lendeborg won’t even play another collegiate season. In an NBA mock draft ESPN released earlier this month, Lendeborg was projected to be the No. 53 overall pick. Alas, Lendeborg could potentially improve his draft stock if he played well at a Power Four program next season.

Yaxel Lendeborg played high school at Pennsauken (NJ), where he was an unranked prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Due to COVID, Lendeborg only played in 11 games his senior year but led his team to a 10-1 record.

If Lendeborg opts to return to the collegiate scene for one more season, he’ll have a high asking price. As one of the most proven players in the portal, Lendeborg has plenty on his résumé to prove he’s worth a major NIL payday.

The NBA Combine will take place from May 11-18. It will prove to be a pivotal time for Lendeborg’s future as he hears from potential suitors at the next level.

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.