Top Prospects: Star Player Picks U-M Over NBA Draft – What This Means for the Team!

Yaxel Lendeborg has decided to pull out of the 2025 NBA Draft and stay for another season at the University of Michigan. He believes this choice will help him grow both as a player and as a person.

"It’s been a dream to play in the NBA, but I feel I’ll benefit from one more year in college," Lendeborg explained. His decision comes just before the NCAA deadline for players to withdraw and maintain their college eligibility.

Lendeborg was projected to be a late first-round pick and had a standout college season. He averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He also shot 55% from inside the arc and 36% from three-point range. To put his achievements in perspective, only Larry Bird and Lendeborg have recorded over 600 points, 400 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single Division I season. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year and made the first-team All-AAC for the past two years.

Despite being a top talent, Lendeborg’s journey to this point has been unique. He played only 11 high school games his senior year, and his mother moved him to a junior college in Arizona to pursue basketball. "Before, I was more into video games than basketball. Playing consistently and having a structured workout plan has changed everything," he shared.

He will fill the gap left by Danny Wolf, a projected top-20 pick, who thrived at Michigan last season. Lendeborg admired Wolf’s versatility in playing multiple positions and aims to bring that same energy to the team.

Next season, Michigan will also welcome several other transfers and a standout freshman, making for an exciting roster overhaul. With all these changes, Lendeborg’s decision to stay could be pivotal for both his future and the team’s success.

For more insights on player development and draft choices, you can check out resources from the NCAA.

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