Yaxel Lendeborg Leads Michigan to Sweet 16 Berth

Graduate senior power forward thrives on big stage as Wolverines advance in NCAA Tournament

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:39am

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Yaxel Lendeborg, a graduate senior and Big Ten player of the year, has been a key addition for Michigan this season, helping lead the Wolverines to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Lendeborg, nicknamed "The Dominican LeBron," has impressed with his aggression and single-minded focus, including a highlight-reel dunk that sparked a decisive second-half run in Michigan's 95-72 win over Saint Louis in the second round.

Why it matters

Lendeborg's presence and persona have been a major storyline for Michigan, which has added several key transfers this season to build a deeper, more talented roster. The Wolverines are seeking to avenge last year's round of 16 loss and make a deep tournament run.

The details

Lendeborg, who spent three seasons at junior college and two more at Birmingham-Alabama before joining Michigan, has been a force for the Wolverines. Along with fellow transfers Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Elliot Cadeau, Lendeborg has helped Michigan match a program record for wins, go 9-2 against ranked opponents, and become the first Big Ten team to go unbeaten in conference play since 1975-76.

  • On March 21, 2026, Lendeborg had a 25-point performance, including a massive dunk, in Michigan's 95-72 second-round win over Saint Louis.
  • Michigan (33-3) will play fourth-seeded Alabama (25-9) in the Sweet 16 in Chicago on Friday.

The players

Yaxel Lendeborg

A graduate senior power forward and Big Ten player of the year who has been a key addition for Michigan this season, helping lead the Wolverines to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Aday Mara

Michigan's 7-foot-3 center who is one of the key transfers that has helped build a deeper, more talented roster for the Wolverines.

Nimari Burnett

A graduate student completing his third season at Michigan, who has seen the difference in the team's size, length, and speed compared to last season.

Dusty May

Michigan's head coach, who guided Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance in 2023 and has led the Wolverines to a program-record 33 wins this season.

Josh Schertz

The Saint Louis coach who was impressed by Michigan's depth of talent, unrelenting attack, and what he referred to as "an intelligently constructed roster."

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What they’re saying

“I think the transfer portal helps out a lot of kids, especially me. Being in this situation, I've had the best year of my life. If that's what they want to call mercenary, I would love to be a mercenary. That's cool with me.”

— Yaxel Lendeborg, Graduate Senior

“Two words, Dominican LeBron. It's as simple as those two words, but also just his aggression going to the basket. We were up by 10 or so, but it gave us another boost to extend the lead.”

— Nimari Burnett, Teammate

“We're a better team. We're better coaches. We're better players. That's just part of the growth process. We've earned the right to go to Chicago.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach

“Obviously, Michigan has great NIL, but you see a lot of teams that are poorly constructed that pay a lot of money. Dusty's team, the pieces really fit well together.”

— Josh Schertz, Saint Louis Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.