Yaxel Lendeborg is busy grinding through a grueling schedule ahead of the 2026 NBA draft, but the Michigan senior is eager to prove himself on the court.
Lendeborg was a consensus first-team All-American last season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.2% from 3-point range. He was also the Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection.
The 6-foot-9 forward has conducted seven team workouts, with two additional scheduled before turning his attention to the draft itself. He hasn’t had much downtime throughout the process, making for a hectic time on and off the court.
“It has been very, very tough,” Lendeborg said Thursday after working out for the Golden State Warriors. “Not many days for breaks or rest. I don’t think I’ve gotten a day off yet, but it is very fun. You get to learn a lot of new things, meet a lot of new people and just learn the way you’re going to be living pretty much next year. It is all a learning point for me.”
Lendeborg shined in the postseason to lead Michigan to its second national title, becoming the first Wolverine with three straight 20-point performances in the NCAA Tournament since 1994. He was named the MVP of the Midwest region.
The 23-year-old is currently considered to be a lottery pick and, likely, one of the first upperclassmen to be selected in a draft heavily dominated by freshmen. He is highly touted for his scoring, rebounding and ability to defend multiple positions.
Lendeborg has heard all too often about his age, compared to the other projected lottery picks, but he isn’t all that concerned with that knock. He is leaning on his experience and championship pedigree at Michigan throughout the predraft process.
“If you can play, you can play,” Lendeborg said. “A lot of these younger prospects have been in the spotlight a little longer than I was, been playing since they were younger. Everybody’s path is different. Every time I get on the court, I’m going to showcase that. Whether that is a guy who is 30 or 18, I’m going to go out there and show who is better.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Yaxel Lendeborg: Projected lottery pick talks ‘tough’ draft process
