Michigan Star Lendeborg Plays Through Injuries to Reach Title Game

Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg refuses to sit out Final Four despite spraining knee and ankle.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:48am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, featuring rapid brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and movement of a basketball player driving to the hoop, their face and jersey blurred into unrecognizable strokes of color.Lendeborg's heroic performance in the Final Four and national championship game, where he played through severe injuries to lead Michigan to victory, encapsulates the passion and sacrifice of elite college basketball.Indianapolis Today

Michigan star forward Yaxel Lendeborg suffered a knee and ankle sprain in the team's Final Four game against Arizona, but refused to sit out the rest of the game or the national championship. Lendeborg returned to the court and hit two key three-pointers to help the Wolverines pull away, then gutted out a 13-point performance in the title game against UConn to lead Michigan to the national championship in Dusty May's second season as head coach.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's determination to play through injury and help his team win a national title despite the physical toll reflects the competitive spirit and leadership that made him the Big Ten Player of the Year. His willingness to sacrifice his body for the team's success resonates with fans and underscores the passion players bring to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

After going down with the knee and ankle injuries, Lendeborg had to decide whether to sit out or try to play through the pain. Despite point guard LJ Cason's concerns about Lendeborg risking further injury, the star forward was adamant about returning to the court to help Michigan reach the national championship game. Lendeborg ended up hitting two crucial three-pointers in the second half to extend the Wolverines' lead over Arizona, and then gutted out a 13-point performance in the title game against UConn to lead Michigan to the national championship.

  • With 8:51 left in the first half against Arizona, Lendeborg suffered the knee and ankle injuries.
  • Lendeborg returned to the court in the second half and hit two key three-pointers.
  • In the national championship game against UConn, Lendeborg scored 13 points to help Michigan win the title.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

Michigan's star forward and the Big Ten Player of the Year, who played through a knee and ankle sprain to help the Wolverines win the national championship.

LJ Cason

Michigan's point guard, who tore his ACL earlier in the season but provided leadership and advice to Lendeborg about playing through injury.

Dusty May

Michigan's head coach, who led the Wolverines to the national title in his second season.

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What they’re saying

“All jokes aside, if you can go, go. But if you can't, don't go.”

— LJ Cason, Michigan point guard

“Damn, we've got two games left, I'm going.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg

“I want you to, too.”

— LJ Cason, Michigan point guard

What’s next

Lendeborg's performance in the Final Four and national championship game is likely to boost his NBA draft stock, with scouts eager to see how he recovers from the knee and ankle injuries in the coming months.

The takeaway

Lendeborg's willingness to play through pain and injury to help Michigan win its first national title since 1989 exemplifies the competitive spirit and leadership that made him one of the top players in college basketball this season. His gutsy performance will be remembered as a defining moment in the Wolverines' championship run.