Yaxel Lendeborg: Nil deal| Stats| Position| Injury| 247| Age| Height

Introduction

Yaxel Lendeborg has rapidly emerged as one of college basketball’s most intriguing forwards. Standing 6’9″ and weighing 240 lbs, Lendeborg brings a rare combination of size, skill and two-way impact that has made him a top transfer-portal prospect and a compelling NBA candidate.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know — from his NIL deal and statistics, to his position, recent injury, background and potential going forward.

Background and Early Career

• Birth and upbringing: Lendeborg was born on September 30, 2002.

• High School: He attended Pennsauken High School (Pennsauken, New Jersey).

• College journey:

  • Started at Arizona Western Matadors (2020–2023).

  • Then transferred to UAB Blazers (2023–2025).

  • In April 2025, committed to Michigan Wolverines for the 2025–26 season.

This path — from JUCO to mid-major to a high-profile program — showcases his consistent growth and upward trajectory.

Physical Profile: Height, Position & Attributes

• Height / Weight: 6’9″ (206 cm), 240 lbs (approx. 109 kg)

• Wingspan / Reach (2025 NBA Combine): Reportedly a 7’3″–7’4″ wingspan with a 9’0.5″ standing reach.

• Position: Forward — typically plays as a small forward / power forward (modern “stretch” or versatile 4-man / small-ball 5).

• Playing style & strengths:

  • Known for his “rebounding motor,” defensive instincts, and ability to impact both ends.

  • Offers playmaking ability (passing, assists), positional flexibility, and the potential to stretch the floor (with occasional three-point shooting).

Many analysts view him as a “modern forward” — a player who blends traditional big-man size with guard-like mobility and skills.

College Career & Statistics

Arizona Western (JUCO Years)

He ended his JUCO career as the NJCAA’s all-time leading rebounder with 429 career boards.

UAB (2023–2025)

• 2023–24 season: Averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game in 35 games. Earned First-Team All-Conference and AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

• 2024–25 season: Breakout year — 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals per game. Also led his team with a program-record 420 rebounds in a season.

• Milestones: Achieved 45 career double-doubles (points & rebounds) — among the top in program history.

• Standings: In UAB’s career rebound list, he ranks 5th with 790 total rebounds over two seasons.

Lendeborg’s progression from JUCO standout to dominant mid-major forward reflects both his improving skill set and consistent work ethic.

NIL Deal and Draft Decision

• NIL deal & value: When transferring to Michigan, Lendeborg reportedly signed a “multimillion-dollar NIL package” — estimates place it at around US$ 2.3–3 million.

• Impact on draft decision: Despite being a projected first-round pick for 2025, Lendeborg withdrew his name from the draft and opted to return to college, largely influenced by the NIL package and his comfort with the direction at Michigan under coach Dusty May.

• Broader significance: His decision underscores a growing trend — where robust NIL offers and college opportunities can persuade even high-caliber prospects to bypass the NBA and stay in school.

This move positions him as a key piece in Michigan’s frontcourt and raises expectations for a deep run in the 2025–26 season.

Injury / Recent Condition

• In his debut for Michigan (2025–26 season), Lendeborg was reportedly limited due to a right-hand injury.

• Despite the injury, he managed to contribute: in limited minutes, he scored 12 points (with perfect field-goal shooting), grabbed rebounds and provided assists.

• The injury does not appear to be long-term or season-ending — sources haven’t flagged it as a major concern, but it’s something to monitor as the season progresses.

247Sports / Draft Outlook

• Lendeborg was the #1 ranked transfer-portal player in 2025, per 247Sports.

• As of 2025, he’s considered a top mid-major-to-major transfer, with scouts highlighting his motor, two-way ability, size and versatility.

• NBA Draft potential: Experts describe him as a “modern four / small-ball five” — a forward capable of rebounding, defending multiple positions, facilitating offense, and stretching the floor if his shooting continues to develop.

• His decision to stay in college suggests Lendeborg is focused on refining his game, boosting draft stock, and maximizing his value — either in a future draft, or as a high-impact senior at Michigan.

Why Lendeborg Matters: What He Brings to Michigan & Beyond

1. Frontcourt versatility: With size, length, and mobility, he offers flexibility to play both forward spots — which modern basketball demands.

2. Two-way impact: He rebounds at a high rate, defends multiple positions, blocks shots, and can guard in space — valuable traits for both college and NBA.

3. Playmaking & floor spacing: Ability to pass, facilitate and (with potential growth) shoot from outside gives him the makings of a “glue” forward — something few big men possess.

4. Proven production: Consistent stats from JUCO through mid-major to major college level show he scales his game up with competition.

5. Maturity & decision-making: Opting to return to college despite a strong draft outlook suggests he prioritizes long-term growth and stability over short-term gain — a trait NBA teams often value.

If Lendeborg stays healthy and continues developing, he could be a breakout star in the 2025–26 college season — and a legitimate first-round pick candidate for the 2026 NBA Draft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Yaxel Lendeborg?
A: Yaxel Lendeborg is a US-born forward (born September 30, 2002), currently playing collegiate basketball for the Michigan Wolverines. He previously played for Arizona Western (JUCO) and UAB.

Q: What position does he play?
A: Primarily a forward — he can play as a small forward or power forward (modern 4 / small-ball 5), using his size, wingspan and mobility to stretch the floor, rebound and defend.

Q: How tall is Yaxel Lendeborg and what’s his wingspan?
A: He is 6’9″ (206 cm), 240 lbs (≈109 kg), with a wingspan around 7’3″–7’4″ and a standing reach of roughly 9’0.5″.

Q: What are his recent college stats?
A: In 2024–25 with UAB, he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game.

Q: Does he have an NIL deal?
A: Yes — when he transferred to Michigan, Lendeborg secured a multimillion-dollar NIL package, reportedly between US$ 2.3–3 million.

Q: Is he entering the NBA Draft?
A: He declared for the 2025 NBA Draft but withdrew his name and opted to return to college for the 2025–26 season, likely influenced by his NIL deal and desire to further develop.

Q: Has he suffered any injury recently?
A: He was limited in his debut for Michigan due to a right-hand injury. However, there is no indication that it is long-term, and he contributed in that game despite limited minutes. Yaxel Lendeborg.

Conclusion

Yaxel Lendeborg’s journey — from JUCO to mid-major standout, to a top transfer-portal asset — exemplifies resilience, growth, and adaptability. At 6’9″ with size, length, and evolving skillset, he represents the prototype of a modern forward.

With his notable NIL deal and decision to return for the 2025–26 college season, Lendeborg is in a position to elevate both his individual profile and the aspirations of the Michigan program. If he stays healthy and continues improving, he could emerge as a legitimate first-round talent for the 2026 NBA Draft — or even further cement himself as a college basketball star.