When Yaxel Lendeborg went to the locker room before halftime of Michigan’s blowout Final Four win over Arizona with a towel over his head and a somber look on his face, it appeared as though his season might be over. However, his night wasn’t even done.
The Big Ten Player of the Year returned in the second half to knock down two big threes and stave off an Arizona comeback. Now, two nights later, it seems that he’ll be a full-go when the Wolverines take on UConn in the National Championship Game.
According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, Lendeborg went through practice, was involved in Michigan’s shoot-around this morning, and while he’ll receive treatment before the game, “the expectation is he will not be limited tonight.”
I was told Yaxel Lendeborg went through practice. Did everything this morning, will get more treatment when he arrives, will get taped up and go through warm-ups and the expectations is he will not be limited tonight but certainly will be monitored throughout the game.…
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) April 6, 2026
Lendeborg to be monitored by not limited in national title game vs. UConn
In the first half on Saturday night, Lendeborg drove the lane and, as he was fouled, rolled the left ankle that he injured in the Big Ten Tournament, reinjuring it in the process. Lendeborg also sprained his MCL on the play. When he returned in the second half, Lendeborg had a brace on his left knee and was noticeably slowed by the injuries.
The first-team All-American played just 14 minutes in the win, scoring 11 points in the process. Dusty May came under fire postgame for Lendeborg’s second post-injury stint in the second half which came around the seven-minute mark with the Wolverines leading by 19 points.
Yet, Lendeborg seems to have escaped the second half unscathed, and will be able to play on Monday night. The question is, whether or not Lendeborg will be able to play at full strength.
Dan Hurley’s motion offense has relentless off-ball movement throughout the entire shot clock. Lendeborg has impressive defensive versatility and may be able to defend Silas Demary Jr., to prevent him from chasing shooters through a maze of screens. Still, that will make it difficult for Michigan to rely on its three-big lineup with Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr., and if he’s limited at all, Hurley will find a way to expose it.
Michigan fans, and Dusty May, will likely have their answer to that question early on Monday night.