Ranking the top 8 big men in the East Region

After Adama Sanogo was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player and Zach Edey has taken the National Player of the Year in back-to-back years, the big man is making a comeback in college basketball and these are the beasts in the East.

By Josh Yourish | Mar 19, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT

San Diego State Aztecs forward Jaedon LeDee (13) / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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Yaxel Lendeborg. Yaxel Lendeborg. . 2282. 7. player. . 6'9" 230 lbs. Yaxel Lendeborg. Junior

Yaxel Lendeborg is kind of a do-it-all force for the UAB Blazers. A lengthy stretch forward, he leads the team with 13.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks a game. He’s comfortable playing on the perimeter both offensively and defensively, but is best as a rim-protector, using his long arms to cover up UAB’s defensive mistakes.

On offense, Lendeborg is capable of shooting the three but prefers to get downhill to the rim. The Western Arizona College transfer has a competent post-up game but would rather face-up or play as the roll-man, typically for Eric Gaines. He’s shooting over 50% on the season and knocks down nearly 80% of his free throws, so he can be trusted to stay on the floor late in games.

UAB will need a herculean effort from Lendeborg to beat San Diego State because the Aztecs are led by Jaedon LeDee, who is a similar type of player, but much more lethal offensively.

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