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‘Never Give Up’: The Remarkable Road That Led Yaxel Lendeborg to Michigan
Who Is Yaxel Lendeborg?
Yaxel Okari Lendeborg is an American-Dominican college basketball star known for his elite rebounding, defensive dominance, and relentless work ethic. Born on September 30, 2002, in Puerto Rico, he rose from academic struggles and limited high-school experience to become one of the most productive frontcourt players in NCAA Division I basketball.
In 2025, Yaxel Lendeborg is a standout forward for the Michigan Wolverines, entering NBA Draft conversations after a breakout college career that includes multiple All-Conference honors, defensive awards, and historic rebounding records.
Early Life: From Puerto Rico to New Jersey
Yaxel Lendeborg was born in Puerto Rico to athletic parents who both represented their home countries in basketball. His family relocated to Ohio when he was two years old and later settled in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he spent most of his childhood.
Growing up, Yaxel Lendeborg dreamed of playing baseball, not basketball. Despite being surrounded by a basketball-driven family, he didn’t play organized basketball until age 15.
Academic Setback and Redemption
Yaxel Lendeborg high-school years were turbulent:
- As a freshman, he was cut from the team due to academic issues.
- He missed his sophomore and junior seasons because of poor grades.
- Determined to turn his life around, Yaxel Lendeborg enrolled in a dual-enrollment program at Camden County College, improved his academics, and rejoined the high-school team as a senior.
That late start became one of the defining chapters of his story, proof of discipline, growth, and resilience.
College Career
Arizona Western College (2021–2023) – The JUCO Breakthrough
Yaxel Lendeborg first made headlines in junior college basketball at Arizona Western, where he quickly transformed from a raw athlete to one of the nation’s best JUCO players.
Key Achievements:
- ACCAC Player of the Year (2021–22)
- NJCAA Third Team All-American (2021–22)
- NJCAA Second Team All-American (2022–23)
- Led the conference in rebounds and double-doubles
- Averaged double-double seasons with dominant paint presence
Yaxel Lendeborg JUCO success made him one of the most sought-after junior college transfers in the country.
UAB Blazers (2023–2025) – Dominance in Division I
Transferring to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), Lendeborg immediately became one of the best defensive players in the American Athletic Conference.
Notable Stats & Honors at UAB:
- AAC Defensive Player of the Year
- AAC First Team All-Conference
- AAC Tournament MVP (2023–24)
- Set UAB and AAC records for single-season rebounds and double-doubles
- Averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks (2023–24)
His relentless style earned him the reputation as “the most relentless hooper in college basketball.”
Michigan Wolverines (2025–Present) – The Big Ten Challenge
In 2025, Yaxel Lendeborg transferred to the University of Michigan, instantly becoming a key piece on both ends of the floor.
He continued to produce powerful stat lines - scoring efficiently, rebounding at an elite level, and playing impactful interior defense. Scouts and analysts praise his versatility as a modern frontcourt big, strong court awareness, and rebounding instincts.
Playing Style and Strengths
Yaxel Lendeborg game is built on:
- Elite rebounding on both ends
- Shot-blocking and rim protection
- High motor and toughness
- Efficient scoring around the rim
- Ability to defend multiple positions
- Playmaking flashes uncommon for a forward
He excels in transition, thrives in physical matchups, and consistently impacts games even when not scoring.
Latest Updates
Personal Life
- Parents: Both were national-team basketball players.
- Heritage: Puerto Rican and Dominican descent.
- Height: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
- Weight: Approx. 240 lbs
- Hometown: Pennsauken, New Jersey
- Pronunciation:
- First name: Yax-ul
- Last name: Lend-eh-borg
Career Accolades
- AAC Defensive Player of the Year (2023–24)
- AAC Tournament MVP (2023–24)
- AAC First Team All-Conference
- ACCAC Player of the Year (2021–22)
- Two-Time NJCAA All-American
Future Outlook
With his unique late-blooming journey, defensive versatility, and improving offensive game, Yaxel Lendeborg is positioned as one of the most intriguing prospects entering the next stage of his career. Whether he remains at Michigan for another season or declares for the NBA Draft, his growth trajectory continues to trend upward.
FAQs
1. Who is Yaxel Lendeborg?
- Yaxel Lendeborg is a Puerto Rican–American college basketball player and a standout forward for the Michigan Wolverines, known for his elite rebounding, defense, and high motor.
2. How old is Yaxel Lendeborg?
- Yaxel Lendeborg was born on September 30, 2002, making him 23 years old in 2025.
3. Where is Yaxel Lendeborg from?
- Yaxel Lendeborg was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
4. What position does Yaxel Lendeborg play?
- Yaxel Lendeborg plays as a forward and is known for his interior defense and rebounding.
5. How tall is Yaxel Lendeborg?
- Yaxel Lendeborg stands 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall.
6. What college does Yaxel Lendeborg play for?
- As of 2025, Yaxel Lendeborg plays for the University of Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten Conference).
7. Did Yaxel Lendeborg play JUCO basketball?
- Yes. Yaxel Lendeborg was a standout player at Arizona Western College, where he earned two NJCAA All-American honors.
8. What awards has Yaxel Lendeborg won?
- Yaxel Lendeborg has earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year, AAC Tournament MVP, First-Team All-AAC, and multiple JUCO awards.
9. Is Yaxel Lendeborg entering the NBA Draft?
- Yaxel Lendeborg has been linked with the 2025 NBA Draft, with scouts monitoring his performance closely.
10. What is Yaxel Lendeborg playing style?
- Yaxel Lendeborg is known for his physicality, elite rebounding, rim protection, defensive versatility, and high-energy impact in the paint.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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