How the NBA Combine could impact Yaxel Lendeborg’s decision to play at Michigan

One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 NBA Draft revolves around the Michigan Wolverines and prospect Yaxel Lendeborg. The former UAB forward committed to Michigan in April, but he has gone through the entire draft process.

With the NBA Combine complete, how could it have affected Lendeborg’s decision to stay in college or play in the pros?

Latest intel on Yaxel Lendeborg’s decision

Unfortunately for Michigan fans, Lendeborg reportedly impressed in drills early in the combine. However, the prospects had yet to play 5-on-5, and that is usually the best indicator of how developed a player is.

ESPN dropped a post-combine mock draft Monday, and Lendeborg is predicted to go at pick No. 26 to the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have four first round picks, including No. 8, No. 19, No. 26 and No. 27.

According to ESPN NBA analyst Jeremy Woo, Brooklyn could be looking to trade at least one of its picks in the 20s, so that would change things for Lendeborg. Everything Woo said about Lendeborg is below.

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“Rival teams expect the Nets to explore moving one or both of these picks in the 20s, as they manage their roster and salary cap situation to best position themselves moving forward,” Woo wrote.

“Lendeborg faced one of the highest-profile, stay-or-go decisions among prospects at the combine, measuring quite well and turning in a solid, if not spectacular, showing in scrimmages, with Michigan coach Dusty May and members of his staff in Chicago to support him. NBA teams are aware Lendeborg has a multimillion-dollar NIL package to attend Michigan next season, and it wasn’t clear by the end of the week as to whether he had done enough to secure the type of guarantee that might keep him in the draft.

“He was highly productive last season at UAB and will step into a huge role with the Wolverines as the ostensible replacement for Wolf, giving him an opportunity to improve his draft stock if he withdraws now.”

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It seems that Lendeborg could be better off going back to college to play for the maize and blue. Michigan head coach Dusty May attended the combine to show support, and as of last week, Lendeborg is leaning towards playing for him.

The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft and maintain NCAA eligibility is May 28th at 11:59 p.m.

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