Michigan basketball is gaining one of the most productive frontcourt players in the nation. Yaxel Lendeborg, the 6-foot-9 forward who starred at UAB, announced he will bypass the 2025 NBA Draft and return to college for the 2025–26 season—this time in Ann Arbor.

Lendeborg, who committed to Michigan in April while testing the NBA waters, arrives with one of the most impressive résumés in the country. During the 2024–25 season at UAB, he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, while leading all of Division I with 26 double-doubles. His 420 total rebounds set a single-season program record.

Over his Blazers career, Lendeborg cemented his place as one of UAB’s all-time greats:

• 45 career double-doubles (program record)
• 1,136 career points (25th member of the 1,000-point club)
• 790 rebounds (fifth in program history)
• 138 blocked shots (fourth all-time)

Now, he heads to Michigan with one year to showcase himself as an elite national player while helping the Wolverines return to the top tier of college basketball. His decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft gives Michigan a proven frontcourt anchor who can impact games on both ends of the floor.

For head coach Dusty May and the Wolverines, Lendeborg brings a rare mix of consistency, toughness, and production. Michigan will count on his ability to control the glass, protect the rim, and provide inside scoring. For Lendeborg, this season is an opportunity to elevate his draft stock and prove he can dominate in the Big Ten, one of the toughest conferences in the country.

With his motor, versatility, and track record of production, Yaxel Lendeborg has the tools to become one of college basketball’s breakout stars in 2025–26—and Michigan fans should be excited to watch him suit up in maize and blue.