Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg drops powerful declaration after beating UConn

The deep concern was palpable when Yaxel Lendeborg fell to the floor after hurting his ankle in Michigan’s game against Arizona in the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

Lendeborg, however, picked himself up and refused to sit out. He helped the Wolverines beat the Wildcats to advance to the national title game. Apparently, his ankle was not the only problem. He also suffered a bone bruise and a sprained MCL.

Despite being banged up, Lendeborg suited up versus Connecticut on Monday. When the smoke cleared at Lucas Oil Stadium, he was jumping up and down, as if his ailments had magically disappeared, as he celebrated with his teammates for winning the ultimate prize.

During the postgame interview with CBS Sports, Lendeborg made a powerful declaration about Michigan.

“They might be calling us mercenaries, but we’re the hardest-playing team in national basketball. We’re the best team in college basketball, and we want to be one of the greats ever,” said Lendeborg.

"They might be calling us mercenaries, but we're the hardest playing team… we're the best team in college basketball, and we want to be one of the greats ever."

@umichbball's Yaxel Lendeborg w/ @tracywolfson pic.twitter.com/V0oXKKp1sB

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2026

Lendeborg finished with 13 points and two rebounds to help the Wolverines, who won their first national championships since 1989.

It was a fitting ending to the young forward’s collegiate journey, exiting as one of the most decorated players in Michigan’s history.

He averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his one-and-done stint with the Wolverines. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year and earned nods to the Consensus All-American First Team, All-Big Ten First Team, and Big Ten All-Defensive Team.

Throughout his career, Lendeborg did not fold from adversity. Talk about having the heart of a champion.

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