Michigan F Yaxel Lendeborg Wins Top Transfer Award

The talented big man was named the 2026 Riley Wallace Award winner for most impactful Division I basketball transfer.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.Lendeborg's unselfish play and all-around impact have been crucial to Michigan's Final Four run.Indianapolis Today

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg was named the winner of the 2026 Riley Wallace Award, given to the most impactful Division I basketball transfer. Lendeborg, who transferred from UAB, had a standout season for the Wolverines, leading the team in scoring and being named the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American. He has been a key part of Michigan's run to the Final Four.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's impact on Michigan's success this season has been immense. The Wolverines are in the Final Four in large part due to Lendeborg's contributions on both ends of the floor, and his recognition as the top transfer in Division I basketball highlights his talent and importance to the team.

The details

In his lone season with the Wolverines, Lendeborg was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American. He led Michigan in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game in the regular season. Lendeborg is a three-level scorer who can shoot from deep, mid-range, and attack the rim. He's also an excellent defender and rebounder, grabbing seven boards per game. Lendeborg's unselfish play has been crucial to Michigan's success, as he has deferred individual accolades to help the team.

  • On Thursday afternoon, it was announced that Lendeborg won the Riley Wallace Award.
  • Michigan is currently in Indianapolis preparing for a Final Four contest with Arizona.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A transfer from UAB, Lendeborg is the 2026 Riley Wallace Award winner as the most impactful Division I basketball transfer. He led Michigan in scoring this season and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“It took him a while, and I think our guys have constantly reminded him. He's so unselfish. He's so -- I don't know how to say it. He wants to be one of the guys. They've encouraged him to be more aggressive, to shoot more, to hunt some more individual accolades all year, and he simply refused because he didn't care about any of those things.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

What’s next

With Arizona up next and a chance to play for a national title on the line, Michigan will need another strong outing from Lendeborg.

The takeaway

Lendeborg's selfless play and team-first mentality have been crucial to Michigan's success this season. His recognition as the top transfer in Division I basketball highlights his immense talent and impact, and the Wolverines will need him to continue his strong play as they pursue a national championship.