The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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NOVEMBER 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 45 2025-26 BASKETBALL PREVIEW noted. He took a unique approach, one that the coveted forward — who already understood how May operated — found refreshing. "He was just being super honest, say- ing the team was going to be good with me or without me," Lendeborg recalled. "It was something that held weight. Ev- erybody else was saying, we need you, this and that. It didn't really sound the same way. He was saying everything he could do for me, it was going to be there, regardless. I had a feeling of warmth, I guess you could say." The warmth increased just seeing what May accomplished at FAU and in his short time at Michigan. In short, Lendeborg wanted on this train. "It's just like me maturing more as a player, as well," he said. "He's a great guy to be under, if I want to be- come that guy. Seeing what he did with Danny Wolf, I could use that. That played a big factor. And it's me being a big fan." As much as May approached Lend- eborg with a good knowledge base going in, the Michigan coach has gleaned sig- nificant further understanding of him in the months he's been in Ann Arbor. "Absolutely," May assured. "We've learned a lot about Yaxel that we didn't know before we signed him. I do know he's already changed his day-to-day routine. [Grad guard] Nimari Burnett has a really regimented workout routine — yoga and stretching and rehabilita- tion stuff. Probably 90 percent of the days, Yaxel has been with him, almost mirroring his pre-practice and pre- workout routine. There are things there he's improving on. "One thing I do know about Yaxel. When the lights are on, he moves bet- ter, he's quicker, he's faster, he's more athletic. He even has another big jump to make. His versatility. He played a different position at UAB, and he was incredibly successful there and helped them win a lot of ball games. We're playing him a little bit differently, and I've been impressed. He's further ahead versus where I thought he would be at this point." Lendeborg noted he's always open to learning, and that Burnett represents a great teammate from which to do so. "The relationship started out as big brother, little brother," Lendeborg said. "Now it's two guys who have similar interests in a lot of things. I've learned how to live pretty much like a pro. He's really the only guy who ever wanted to take me to yoga, teach me the strength and stretching, all the pros and cons of everything going on. He's just a good role model to look up to. He does ev- erything right and plays hard every day." Lendeborg received plenty of encour- agement and assistance beyond what Burnett provides, the newcomer noted. He's been overwhelmed by not only the resources Michigan maintains, but the enthusiasm all around him. "The support here is insane, man," Lendeborg said. "I'm super excited to get out in Crisler and be in front of all the fans who love basketball just as much as I do. I really haven't been feel- ing any pressure, just excitement. I'm happy to be here. "It's pretty cool. Just taking pictures with people, having conversations." As for the competition itself? Well, there's a certain matchup that has drawn Lendeborg's attention, before the season even tips off. "Mostly, I've been looking for that rivalry with Michigan State," he said. "I've been hearing a lot about it. I want to beat them two times this year — in front of the [Crisler] fans, and in front of their fans. It's been something that's been scratched off the list for a little while now. That's the biggest thing, and playing against Purdue. I was at the camp with [Boilermakers senior guard] Braden Smith — cool guys, cool friend. Looking forward to that competition." Mostly, it's Michigan State. "My friends back home, that's all they talk about," Lendeborg said. "That's why it's pretty much getting engraved in my head. Also, [sophomore guard] L.J. [Cason] has been talking about it, [senior guard] Roddy [Gayle Jr.]. We've been talking about that matchup." And yes, he's been swept into the ex- citement of the athletic campus for the biggest events. "Man, I went to the football game against Central Michigan," he recalled. "I got stopped about 100 times. It was an experience. It was great, though. I talked to the fans, and a lot of guys are super excited about the season. I'm kind of nervous, just to see how it's going to be here in the first game, how loud it's going to get. I came in here and looked around. How's it going to feel? I'm super excited." And grateful. He's about to enter a picture he's dreamed about. "It still makes me emotional," Lend- eborg said. "I got goosebumps. This is a position I never thought I'd be in, ever in my life. Me or my mom. It always has me at a loss for words. I sometimes cry, just at home, thinking about it. Just a few days ago, I saw a post, and I just teared up. It's something that still amazes me, to this day. "Man, I'm super stoked. I'm smiling all day. Being on a team like this is crazy, just seeing how many assets we have, how many pieces, how many players can do something extra. It's been amazing." Lendeborg knew what he wanted as far as getting into the picture. He defi- nitely knows what he wants now. "I at least want to get to the Final Four this year," he said. "We deserve it as a program, to do the best we can for the fans. Me, I want to try to win player of the year. And I want to be the best de- fensive player in the nation." ❏ No. 1 For A Reason Many thought Yaxel Lendeborg would go the NBA route, following his strong senior season and effort at the NBA Draft Combine. Here is CBS Sports' assessment of what took place. "Lendeborg's decision was watched closely by NBA and college basketball observers and was possibly a difficult one for the talented forward," CBS Sports' Kyle Boone wrote after Lendeborg's performance in Chicago. "He soared up draft boards after his performance in the NBA Draft Combine. "Measuring 6-foot-8.5 with a shocking 7-4 wingspan and 9-0.5 standing reach helped Lendeborg work his way into a range in the draft that almost made it too tough for him to pass on. "He did well for himself in addition to the measurements and looked the part of a first- rounder in scrimmages operating as a small-ball big." — John Borton