Michigan basketball’s Yaxel Lendeborg declares for 2026 NBA Draft

The Michigan basketball team just won the national championship, and one of their best players is looking forward to the next chapter. Wolverines star forward Yaxel Lendeborg is declaring for the NBA Draft, he announced on ESPN.

“I am going to put my best foot forward, and focus on the draft,” Lendeborg said. “Hopefully everything goes well.”

.@Yaxel_Lendeborg is ready for his next chapter, he announced on NBA Today.

What a journey it's been pic.twitter.com/V8yAbhXWPd

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 15, 2026

Lendeborg averaged a little more than 15 points per game for the Wolverines this 2025-26 college season. He also grabbed close to seven rebounds per contest.

It was a very special season for Lendeborg and Michigan. The Wolverines entered the NCAA tournament as a no. 1 seed, and bulldozed their way into the Final Four. Michigan then finished off Arizona and finally UConn to win the school’s first title since 1989.

The Michigan star got hurt during the team’s national semi-final game against Arizona. He was diagnosed with a MCL sprain, but was able to go on and play in the championship game.

Lendeborg had some big performances in March Madness. He scored 27 points to lift Michigan past Tennessee in the Elite Eight. He finished the tournament with five consecutive games scoring in double-figures.

The Wolverines are led by head coach Dusty May, who finished just his second season at the school. May and Michigan agreed to a contract extension following the season. The young coach has already led two schools to a Final Four; Florida Atlantic was the other program.

Michigan basketball fans are happy for Lendeborg, and hope he finds his way onto an NBA roster. Lendeborg transferred to Michigan in 2025 after playing two seasons at UAB.

Lendeborg also spent time playing at Arizona Western to start his college career.

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