In a recent interview with Big Ten Network’s Andy Katz, Yaxel Lendeborg said he is leaning 60/40 towards playing at Michigan next season instead of staying in the NBA Draft. MORE:
The NBA Draft Combine began on May 11 and continues through May 18, with numerous players on the fringe of being a first-round pick hoping to boost their stock prior to draft day on June 25.
Among those players hoping to solidify themselves as a first-rounder is Yaxel Lendeborg, a power forward from UAB that is currently committed to Michigan via the transfer portal, but is ultimately hoping to land a guaranteed contract in the NBA. If he receives feedback that indicates he won’t get what he’s looking for, he will head back to college for another year and play under Dusty May in Ann Arbor.
Most fans and pundits believe Lendeborg is more than likely to stay in the NBA Draft, but Lendeborg himself said in a recent interview that he is leaning “60/40” towards playing at Michigan next season.
“Man, I’m more in between than I can be to be honest,” Lendeborg told Andy Katz. “I took the visit to Michigan, the visit was amazing, I would love to play there. The NBA thing — it’s the all be all, so it’s 50/50, maybe 60/40.
“Michigan (is 60/40).”
Where does @umichbball transfer Yaxel Lendeborg stand with his @NBADraft decision process? @TheAndyKatz caught up with the prospect at the Combine.#B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/EbNMTW83Ms
— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) May 13, 2025
Lendeborg went onto say he is going to take all the time necessary to make his final decision. The factors for that decision will include, according to Lendeborg, “How comfortable I feel — whatever brings me the most peace.”
The draft withdrawal deadline is June 15, so all eyes will continue to be on Lendeborg as we wait for his final decision. His decision shouldn’t take quite that long — he alluded to 10 days in the interview — so he should have all the feedback he is looking for in the next week and a half or so and then make an announcement sometime after that.
Stick with Maize n Brew for more updates on Lendeborg’s decision as we inch closer and closer to knowing whether or not he will suit up in the Maize and Blue.