Lendeborg commits to Michigan, declares for draft
UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg has committed to Michigan, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
"I love the culture Dusty May has brought to every team that he's coached," Lendeborg said. "When I first started watching college basketball, it was FAU."
Lendeborg is regarded as the top big man in the transfer portal. He plans to declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, as his sights are set on his future.
"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 17.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals this season for UAB, shooting 55% from the field and 36% from three. He was named a first-team All-AAC member and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.
The 22-year-old helped lead UAB to the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) before they lost to UC Irvine.
Michigan reached the Sweet 16 in May's first season as coach, finishing with a 27-10 record. The Wolverines lost to No. 1 Auburn.