Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg Shines in NCAA Tournament Run

23-year-old forward leads Wolverines to Final Four with dominant performances

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:10pm

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Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg has been a driving force behind the team's deep NCAA tournament run. The 6-foot-9 forward, who transferred from UAB, has averaged a double-double this season and is widely projected as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's success has helped propel Michigan to its first Final Four appearance since 1989, and his NBA potential has made him a player of intense interest for both college basketball fans and professional scouts.

The details

In his first season with the Wolverines, Lendeborg has averaged 15.2 points, 7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He has been even more dominant in the NCAA tournament, averaging 25 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 61.4% overall and 52.6% from 3-point range in Michigan's past three games.

  • Lendeborg will turn 24 years old in September, ahead of his rookie NBA season.
  • Michigan will play fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A 23-year-old, 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from UAB to Michigan and has been a dominant force for the Wolverines, earning first-team All-American and Big Ten player of the year honors.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Yaxel has been an overwhelming driver for Michigan in his first season with the program. He's more than lived up to the hopes that greeted him in Ann Arbor.”

— Craig Meyer, Author

What’s next

Lendeborg and the Wolverines will face Arizona in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4, with a chance to advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Lendeborg's breakout season has made him a top NBA prospect and a key reason why Michigan has emerged as a national title contender. His dominant performances in the NCAA tournament have showcased his versatility and potential at the next level.