Michigan basketball fans have been talking all season about how Yaxel Lendeborg is the best player in college hoops.
Well, on Friday night, in a Sweet 16 matchup against Alabama, Michigan fans got a convincing evidence that they have been right all along.
Even Roddy Gayle Jr, who was also heroic in the Wolverines 90-77 win over Alabama, with 16 points, and a stellar effort on the defensive end, said that Michigan fans have been thinking and saying all season long about Yaxel Lendeborg.
"I think he's the best player in the country without a doubt, and when he's like that, we're the best team," Gayle said after the game.
Yaxel Lendeborg was special for Michigan in the Sweet 16
Lendeborg talked about how the Wolverines could be the best team in Michigan history. They need to win three more games to make that claim, but if Yaxel plays the way he did on Friday night, their chances will be much better.
Not only did the 6-foot-9 senior take over on offense, with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting, he also pulled down 12 rebounds, dished out six assists, and had two steals.
Lendeborg showed his shooting ability with two 3-pointers early in the second half, then put it all on display with the defense, rebounding, and playmaking. NBA scouts had to be impressed. This is the second week in a row Yaxel is playing this way.
In three games, Lendeborg is averaging 19 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, while shooting 63 percent. He's also 8-for-13 from 3-point range (61 percent), with an average of 7.3 rebounds, and four assists.
That's just on offense, too. He was guarding Alabama's best player for much of the game at point guard, while also being Michigan's best defensive rebounder.
Lendeborg can do it all on the court. When he does, Gayle is right that there isn't a better team in college basketball.