Former Pennsauken player leads Michigan to NCAA basketball championship

Yaxel Lendeborg went from briefly playing basketball at Pennsauken High School to winning the NCAA basketball championship.

The 23-year-old is celebrating a dream come true after leading the Michigan Wolverines through the NCAA tournament, beating UCONN 69-63 in the championship game on Monday night.

"It feels really, really good to be a champion to be on top of the world, man," he said.

The 6 ft. 9 in. forward and Big Ten Player of the Year toughed it out after he was injured in the Final Four and overcame self-doubt to help lead his team to victory.

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"I was trying to push through my mental and physical battle, dealing with myself, but these guys really helped me out and helped me push through," Lendeborg said.

The ability to dig deep and believe in himself is a big part of Lendeborg's journey.

He only ever played 11 games in high school, all during his senior year at Pennsauken, due to academic issues.

But he says it was his mother's determination and guidance that helped him lock in.

She's been undergoing cancer treatment since the start of the season, but still made it to a few games.

She spoke with Action News after Michigan advanced to the Final Four.

"I love Yaxel, and I'm so proud of the journey, and I feel grateful," said Lendeborg's mother, Yisselinet Raposo.

Lendeborg's former coach at Pennsauken, Harrison Carsillo, says it has been incredible to watch every accomplishment on and off the court.

"It honestly sends my body into a whole other realm of wow. This is what happens when you believe in yourself and work really hard, and you believe in what you have. It's remarkable," he said.

Lendeborg initially entered the 2025 NBA draft, but decided to transfer to Michigan instead to work on his skills.

Looking ahead, Lendeborg says his mother is set to finish chemotherapy treatment soon and that he now has his sights set on the NBA draft in June, potentially being picked in the first round.