When forward Yaxel Lendeborg announced his intention to transfer from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, reporters linked him to several schools. Ultimately, he landed at Michigan, but surprisingly, he also declared for the NBA Draft. The Wolverines’ championship hopes hinge on his choice between college and the pros.
Stark Contrast in Torvik Rankings Between Michigan With Lendeborg, and Without
The toRvik model, created by Andrew Weatherman, is another independent ranking system aimed at creating an objective ranking of college basketball teams, much like the more popular KenPom ranking system. The CBK Report Twitter account posted that Michigan’s toRvik ranking sits at 4 with Lendeborg on the roster. Without him, Michigan drops all the way to 23.
CRAZY: Torvik ranks Michigan 4th nationally with Yaxel Lendeborg — but without him, they drop all the way to 23rd if he stays in the NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/63NvFuzt9o
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 22, 2025
The Wolverines are coming off a Big Ten tournament championship and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, but they will most likely lose forward Danny Wolf to the draft. Michigan looked to replace his 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, along with his near-50% shooting clip, and they seemed to find it with Lendeborg. His 17.7 points per game, 11.4 rebounds, and 52% shooting clip exceed Wolf’s numbers.
The Pennsauken, NJ native committed to Michigan on Apr. 5th, but he later took part in the recent NBA Draft combine, and according to 24/7 Sports, he showed out. In an article by Grant Hughes, 24/7 scouting director, Adam Finkelstein said, “I’m going to tell you the truth. He has got some serious momentum in the NBA Draft. It sounds like he may be in this draft to stay.” Writer Cody Taylor reported today that the Sacramento Kings will host Ledneborg in a pre-draft workout on the 23rd.
What’s At Stake for Both Parties?
For Lendeborg, it’s all about stability at the highest level possible: “I’m focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now,” Lendeborg said, per Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar. “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 contract. I want to find a safe spot.”
The difference in money is also a factor, as the former UAB star could net at least $2.7 million as a late-first-round draft pick. As it stands, both ESPN and CBS have Lendeborg going 29th to the Suns. Reports, however, claim that Michigan would offer substantial NIL money should the All-AAC first-teamer stay in college, but the details are unknown.
Michigan wants to run it back after their conference championship, and the near-20 points per game from the No. 1-ranked transfer would help immensely. However, the decision rests with Lendeborg, and he knows that the choice isn’t easy.
“This whole NBA thing has been insane,” Lendeborg said in Zain Bando’s Sporting News piece. “I’m pretty even. I love Michigan. I love the idea of going over there and developing, but the NBA is just what everybody wants, so I’m dead in the middle now. It’s hard.”
KEEP READING: Ranking Michigan Basketball’s Four Transfer Portal Acquisitions Following March Madness
The deadline to remove one’s name from the draft while remaining NCAA eligible is May 28.
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