Yaxel Lendeborg. Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Michigan lands top transfer-portal hooper

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Michigan head coach Dusty May had a terrific first season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines made a run all the way to the Sweet 16 before running into No. 1-seed Auburn.

Championships are always the goal at Michigan, though, and May has picked up a massive transfer-portal addition who could help the Wolverines compete in March Madness next season.

Yaxel Lendeborg, a transfer portal player from UAB, has reportedly committed to the Wolverines.

"I love the culture Dusty May has brought to every team that he's coached," Lendeborg told Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

BREAKING: UAB star transfer forward Yaxel Lendeborg has committed to Michigan, @DraftExpress reports〽️https://t.co/3AfH1Kj6SU pic.twitter.com/tuHxicJIWl
— On3 (@On3sports) April 5, 2025

To put this recruiting win into perspective, consider that Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and BYU, amongst others, were reportedly in the running for Lendeborg.

He's also ranked as the No. 1 transfer player in the portal, according to the 247Sports transfer portal ratings.

Per ESPN, Lendeborg did enter his name into the 2025 NBA Draft. He's going to go through the draft process to see where he may end up. He's looking for a guaranteed multiyear contract, and if he doesn't get that, then Michigan will have him for 2025-26.

"I'm focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now," Lendeborg said. "I want a guaranteed contract. That's the biggest thing, make sure I am in a good spot. I would prefer to play college basketball in Ann Arbor than be in and out of the G League on a two-way. I want to find a safe spot."

Lendeborg averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for UAB. He averaged 52.2% shooting from the field and 36% from three-point range.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: