Fab Five Slam 'Dominican LeBron' Nickname for Michigan Star

College basketball legends Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, and others reject the moniker for Wolverines standout Yaxel Lendeborg.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:21pm

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During the March Madness Final Four broadcast, the iconic Fab Five - Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson - shared that they do not approve of the 'Dominican LeBron' nickname being used for Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg. The group argued there is only one LeBron James and the comparison is not appropriate.

Why it matters

The Fab Five are revered figures in college basketball history, so their opinions on player nicknames and comparisons carry significant weight. This interaction highlights the challenges young stars face in establishing their own unique identities rather than being labeled as the 'next' version of an all-time great.

The details

When asked about Lendeborg's 'Dominican LeBron' nickname during the broadcast, the Fab Five members quickly shut it down. 'No,' Jimmy King said, with Ray Jackson echoing the sentiment. Juwan Howard added, 'There's only one LeBron, baby,' while Jackson said, 'Don't do the kid like that.' However, the group did approve of the 'Milk Chamberlain' nickname used for St. Louis center Robbie Avila, with Chris Webber giving it a 'shoutout.'

  • Michigan defeated Arizona 91-73 in the Final Four on April 5, 2026.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A standout player for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who has been given the controversial 'Dominican LeBron' nickname.

Chris Webber

A member of the iconic Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s.

Jalen Rose

A member of the iconic Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s.

Juwan Howard

A member of the iconic Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s, and the current head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.

Jimmy King

A member of the iconic Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s.

Ray Jackson

A member of the iconic Fab Five basketball team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s.

Robbie Avila

A 6-foot-10, 240-pound center for the St. Louis basketball team, who has earned the nickname 'Milk Chamberlain' from the Fab Five.

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What they’re saying

“'No,'”

— Jimmy King, Fab Five member

“'There's only one LeBron, baby.'”

— Juwan Howard, Fab Five member

“'Yeah, bro. Don't do the kid like that.'”

— Ray Jackson, Fab Five member

“'But you know what? Shoutout 'Milk Chamberlain'. The best nickname I heard in the NCAA this year.'”

— Chris Webber, Fab Five member

What’s next

Michigan will face UConn in the national championship game on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The Fab Five's rejection of the 'Dominican LeBron' nickname for Yaxel Lendeborg highlights the challenges young stars face in establishing their own unique identities, rather than being compared to all-time greats. Their approval of more creative nicknames, like 'Milk Chamberlain,' shows their appreciation for originality in college basketball.