Michigan basketball just landed a big commitment in Illinois forward Morez Johnson. That makes two commitments thus far, along with North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau, to match Michigan's two transferring departures in Tre Donaldson and Sam Walters. But Michigan isn't done yet, and their top target is still on the board.
Michigan basketball is a top contender for the top-ranked player in the transfer portal, UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The talented 6'9 forward averaged 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game this past season, while shooting 35.7% from three and 52.2% overall. The Wolverines are battling Kentucky for his services.
Yaxel Lendeborg is the alpha that Michigan basketball needs
Michigan is in desperate need of an alpha from a scoring perspective heading into the 2025-26 season. The Wolverines are losing their top three scorers (assuming Danny Wolf departs), making up 41.1 points per game. Neither Elliot Cadeau nor Morez Johnson are elite scorers, leaving Michigan with a desperate need. That could be the Wolverines biggest asset in this one.
The Wildcats just landed the #4 recruiting class in the nation, and have lots of scoring talent set to be in Lexington next season. Michigan basketball can pitch Lendeborg on being the go-to guy on a potential championship contender.
Where Kentucky may have the advantage is in NIL. Dusty May has said that he doesn't want to get into bidding wars, but one might be necessary to land Lendeborg. It remains to be seen if Michigan will do what it takes to land the best of the best in the basketball world. This would be an absolutely massive win for Michigan basketball. An announcement could come at any time, so stay tuned.