Yaxel Lendeborg announced a day before the deadline that he would be withdrawing from the NBA draft to continue his development for one more year at the University of Michigan. After an impressive performance at the NBA combine, many believed he would be a potential first round draft pick.
Given the new NIL rules and the incredible culture that Dusty May has already started building after just one year, Lendeborg ultimately chose to delay his professional career for one more year. He told ESPN, “While it’s been and still is a dream of mine to play in the NBA, I feel the development and growth as a player and a person I will gain at the University of Michigan will be very beneficial.”
Lendeborg’s commitment is huge for Michigan all around, but especially from a defensive standpoint, which is arguably where Coach May needed the most improvement going into year two. As two-time defensive player of the year, Lendeborg should provide some incredible depth on defense, which should help the Wolverines immensely against ranked opponents this season.
Lendeborg Will be a Huge Asset to Dusty May’s Stacked Roster
After spending some time on campus and getting to know the coaching staff, Lendeborg already has an idea of the bigger picture and Dusty May’s plans for this year. How he’ll fit into the roster remains to be seen, but given his versatility, it seems he could be a suitable replacement for Danny Wolf.
Lendeborg actually factored Wolf’s development with Coach May into his decision, telling ESPN, “I would watch his games this season and say, ‘Man, I wish that was me.’ I’m trying to bring the same type of versatility he brought to Michigan.”
Returning impact players Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle Jr., LJ Cason, and Will Tschetter should maintain some great understanding of what made the team so successful last year, but the competition will absolutely be fierce. Now that Lendeborg has officially entered the conversation, in addition to notable transfers Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara, not to mention incoming freshman wing Trey McKenney, there is certain to be a battle for minutes.
With competition as a major motivator, coach May undoubtedly has his work cut out for him regarding lineups. Needless to say that’s a great problem to have, and 2025-2026 is clearly showing early signs of a historic season.
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