Michigan Coach Dusty May Touts Yaxel Lendeborg's NBA Readiness

May believes the star forward can contribute immediately at the next level.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:24am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements and skills, with sharp planes of color and form representing the multifaceted nature of the player's game.Lendeborg's versatile game and NBA-ready skills are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Indianapolis Today

After leading Michigan to the national championship, head coach Dusty May praised star forward Yaxel Lendeborg's NBA potential on the Rich Eisen Show. May said Lendeborg is 'just scratching the surface' and is ready to be an 'NBA rotational guy or starter now on a good team' due to his all-around skills and character.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's NBA draft stock is a major storyline as he enters the professional ranks following a decorated college career. May's high praise could boost Lendeborg's standing with NBA teams looking for an NBA-ready forward who can contribute right away.

The details

May highlighted Lendeborg's talent on the court, noting his ability to defend multiple positions and play multiple roles on offense. The coach also praised Lendeborg's character, saying the forward is 'open to everyone' and willing to spend hours signing autographs for fans. Lendeborg, an All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year, averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game this past season while shooting over 50% from the field and 37.2% from deep.

  • Lendeborg led Michigan to the national championship on April 6, 2026.
  • May appeared on the Rich Eisen Show on ESPN on April 7, 2026.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, who led the program to its second national championship.

Yaxel Lendeborg

The star forward for the Michigan Wolverines, who is now out of college eligibility and entering the NBA draft after a decorated college career.

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What they’re saying

“It is special because he just has a good heart and he is open to everyone. He will go and sign autographs for an hour or two hours. Typically, guys walk out, sign a couple and keep it moving. He literally would've stayed in the arena last night and signed 80,000 autographs if someone wouldn't have rescued him from that.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“He's just scratching the surface. I go to a lot of NBA games... Every time I leave, I say, 'he is an NBA rotational guy or starter now on a good team.' He's smart, he can defend multiple positions. He can play multiple positions on the other side of the ball.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

Lendeborg is expected to be selected in the late lottery to mid-first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, with his NBA-readiness and versatility appealing to teams looking for an immediate contributor.

The takeaway

Lendeborg's strong character and all-around skills have him poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA, according to his college coach Dusty May. This could boost his draft stock as teams seek a pro-ready forward who can contribute right away.