Year one in Ann Arbor went swimmingly for Dusty May and his staff, with the Wolverines winning 27 games and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. With what’s transpired in the offseason, Michigan could be even better next season from their haul out of the transfer portal, with Tuesday’s big news certainly aiding in that.
After sensational work these last two seasons at UAB, 6-9 forward Yaxel Lendeborg announced his transfer to Michigan several weeks ago, but he was still involved in the NBA Draft process. The former All-AAC forward settled those rumblings on Tuesday by removing himself from the process and officially announcing his intention to play next season for the Wolverines.
I’ll see you at the Crisler Center〽️
— Yaxel Lendeborg (@Yaxel_Lendeborg) May 27, 2025
GO BLUE!〽️ pic.twitter.com/EsBucdn951
Headlining a very impressive transfer class, Lendeborg was the most important piece on a very talented UAB squad. He averaged 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game while making just over 52% of his field goal. Lendeborg ranked 3rd in the entire nation in rebounding and won a second consecutive AAC Defensive Player of the Year honor, leading the conference in blocks and several efficiency metrics.
He’s a total package of a weapon and becomes the latest gift for May and his Michigan staff. Last season, the Wolverines leaned heavily on 7-footers Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf, and while Lendeborg doesn’t quite have that height he’ll make an immense contribution.
Lendeborg becomes the centerpiece of a transfer class that also includes major frontcourt pieces in Morez Johnson Jr. out of Illinois and former UCLA center Aday Mara, a 7-3 big with potential in this rotation. When you throw in former North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau, it’s easy to see why the Wolverines boast one of the best classes in the nation.
The Wolverines had something of a surprise season, bouncing back incredibly after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. With Nimari Burnett and others back in Ann Arbor, this isn’t just about the new faces but the total talent on this team. With that being said, Lendeborg and the rest of this unit should have their eyes set even higher in May’s second season, with this team boasting the raw talent to be a national contender.
Time will tell as we see how these new pieces gel together, but Michigan has the talent to advance all the way in the Big Dance. Do Lendeborg and these other new faces transition into this Big Ten squad and can they win a league or even national title in the next year?