Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg Reaches Final Four After Unlikely Journey

From working in a warehouse to becoming a star at Michigan, Lendeborg has defied the odds.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:34am

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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 remarkable rise from the warehouse to the Final Four is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of education.Indianapolis Today

Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9 senior forward for the Michigan Wolverines, is preparing to play in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Lendeborg's journey to this point has been anything but conventional - he initially didn't see college in his future, working at a warehouse instead, before his mother forced him to attend junior college. After standout seasons at Arizona Western College and UAB, Lendeborg transferred to Michigan, where he has blossomed into an Associated Press first-team All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's remarkable rise from working in a warehouse to starring on college basketball's biggest stage is an inspirational story that highlights the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of education and mentorship. His journey also underscores the value of second chances and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

The details

After slacking off in high school, Lendeborg initially didn't see college in his future, instead working at a warehouse and resigning himself to that lifestyle. However, his mother, Yissel Raposo, insisted he attend junior college, where he developed into a standout player at Arizona Western College. From there, he transferred to UAB, where he was one of the top mid-major players in the country. Following his second season at UAB, in which he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 blocks, Lendeborg entered the transfer portal and the NBA Draft, but ultimately decided to play one more year of college basketball at Michigan.

  • Lendeborg worked at a warehouse after high school before his mother forced him to attend junior college.
  • Lendeborg spent three years at Arizona Western College, where he developed into a junior college All-American.
  • Lendeborg then spent two seasons at UAB, where he was one of the top mid-major players in the country.
  • After his second season at UAB, Lendeborg entered the transfer portal and the NBA Draft, but decided to play one more year at Michigan.
  • Lendeborg is now leading Michigan to the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A 6-foot-9 senior forward for the Michigan Wolverines who has defied the odds to reach the Final Four after initially not seeing college in his future.

Yissel Raposo

Lendeborg's mother, who forced him to attend junior college after he initially resigned himself to working at a warehouse.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who built a strong relationship with Lendeborg during the transfer process.

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What they’re saying

“I was working at a warehouse. I was getting used to that lifestyle, this is going to be [my life]. I didn't have any other aspirations or goals in mind.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Wolverines Forward

“The journey has really felt like a dream, every step of the way. I went through so much. Mentally, it was definitely draining. There were many times I wanted to give up, I wanted to quit.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Wolverines Forward

“He was with me throughout the whole process. That meant a lot to me.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Wolverines Forward

What’s next

Lendeborg and the Michigan Wolverines will face off against the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the NCAA championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Yaxel Lendeborg's remarkable journey from working in a warehouse to starring on college basketball's biggest stage is a testament to the power of perseverance, the transformative impact of education and mentorship, and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams, no matter the odds.