Michigan Star Yaxel Lendeborg's Draft Stock is Rising Just in Time
As the NBA draft nears, all eyes are on these budding college basketball players who are taking the leap to professional basketball.
One of those players is Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg. The basketball forward is considered a top NBA prospect and likely to go in the first dozen players.
On Sunday, May 10, the NBA Draft Lottery takes place. In a feature out on Saturday, May 9, Gary Parrish of CBS Sports offers his thoughts on what to expect during the draft.
“The Wizards, Pacers and Nets have the best chances to secure the first pick — but it could also go to the Jazz, Grizzlies, Hawks, Mavericks, Bulls, Bucks, Warriors, Heat, Hornets or … Thunder,” Parrish states in the piece. “Yes, Oklahoma City really could get the No. 1 pick, crazy as that sounds. If it happens, Monday will make for an incredible day of sports talk.”
Parrish has Lendeborg going as pick No. 10 to Milwaukee. While his pick may stay that same, the team may change based on the lottery.
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“Lendeborg transferred from UAB to Michigan and was the best player on a team that won the 2026 NCAA Tournament one year after he didn’t even win Player of the Year honors in the sport’s 11th-best conference (American),” he states in the piece, adding that it’s an “awesome story.”
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He adds of the player, “That he’s already 23 years old will turn some franchises off — but if Milwaukee decides to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo, adding somebody who is plug-and-play should be the priority, at which point Lendeborg’s age should be mostly irrelevant to the decision-making process.”
My Take: Why Yaxel Lendeborg Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
While it’s true that Lendeborg’s age of 23 may make some franchises think twice before drafting him, they shouldn’t. With that age comes maturity and the ability to start sooner than younger players with less experience.
A 6’9″ and 240 pounds, Lendeborg has the stance to make it in the NFL, and he’s also a versatile player with strong defensive skills and high-IQ offensive skills. He helped take Michigan to a 2026 national championship, and he’ll be a boost to any team looking for new talent.
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This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 8:21 PM.