It was another impressive day for Michigan basketball commitment Yaxel Lendeborg in the NBA draft combine.
It's clear that Lendeborg has the skills to play in the NBA. I'd be stunned if he wasn't a top-40 pick. Heck, it feels like there is a 50/50 chance of him being a first-round pick.
That also happens to be around the chance that Lendeborg actually plays for Michigan basketball after committing to the Wolverines out of the transfer portal.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 1-rated transfer, says he’s torn about whether to stay in the draft or head to Michigan.
— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) May 14, 2025
“I know I just said 60-40 with Michigan, but this whole process is opening my eyes.” pic.twitter.com/AydGQF22sC
Lendeborg told Isaac Trotter that he's "torn" between playing in the NBA or for Michigan.
“I know I just said 60-40 with Michigan, but this whole process is opening my eyes," Lendeborg said.
Jonathan Givony of ESPN also had a new report out on Wednesday and posted that Yaxel will require "a firm guarantee" In order to keep his name in the draft.
Givony on Yax: "He has told suitors that he requires a firm guarantee in order to not withdraw his name from consideration at the May 28 deadline." https://t.co/ZQZjmuCVrr
— Dylan Burkhardt (@umhoops) May 15, 2025
Michigan has the No. 1 transfer portal class in college basketball, at least according to one expert, but there's no doubt that if Lendeborg plays for the Wolverines, they will be legitimate contenders to win the national championship, as well as the Big Ten.
The 6-foot-9 power forward would be the ideal replacement for Danny Wolf, who is also taking part in the NBA combine and is expected to be a first-round pick. Vlad Goldin is another Michigan player who could get selected.
May 28th is the deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft, so we have two more weeks of this will he or won't he? It feels like a truly 50/50 proposition so keep your fingers crossed Michigan fans, because this decision will have a major impact on the 2025-26 season.