Yaxel Lendeborg’s aggressiveness gives Michigan another gear

Mar 21, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts after a dunk in the first half against the Saint Louis Billikens during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images The Michigan Wolverines have lost just three times all season, and yet it still feels like there is another gear for this team. Michigan has received production from every player that has seen meaningful time this year.

Nonetheless, even when Nimari Burnett gets going from deep, Morez Johnson Jr. is dominating in the paint, Aday Mara is towering over the entire defense or Elliot Cadeau is catching fire, the Wolverines are at their best when Yaxel Lendeborg plays to his potential. The Big Ten Player of the Year and All-American averages 14.

4 points, 6. 9 rebounds and 3. 3 assists on 50.

8 percent shooting. He was already being talked about as a lottery pick coming into the season, and now he has cemented himself in that category for the upcoming NBA Draft. But with all his success and hype this season, Lendeborg had been relatively quiet in Michigan’s last few games.