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Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg says goodbye to Ann Arbor
TL;DR
Yaxel Lendeborg bids farewell to Ann Arbor after a legendary season with Michigan basketball. He was named Big Ten player of the year and led the Wolverines to their first national championship in 37 years.
Key points
- Yaxel Lendeborg leaves Michigan basketball after one season
- Named Big Ten player of the year and All-American
- Led Michigan to a national championship
- Achieved a program-record 37 wins
- First Final Four appearance since 2018
Yaxel LendeborgMichigan WolverinesNCAA men's basketballBig Ten
After cementing himself as a Michigan basketball legend, Yaxel Lendeborg has said goodbye to Ann Arbor.
The 23-year-old spent just one season as a Wolverine, but made an impact that will last for decades to come. The transfer from UAB was named All-Big Ten first team, All-Defensive team, Big Ten player of the year and a first team All-American.
He propelled U-M to a program-record 37 wins, a Big Ten regular-season championship (featuring a league-record 19 wins in conference play), the Wolverines' first Final Four appearance since 2018 and, most importantly, the program's first national championship in 37 years.
Michigan Wolverines player Yaxel Lendeborg speaks during a celebration honoring the teamâs NCAA menâs basketball national championship at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
HE'S THE MAN: Yaxel Lendeborg refused to bail. Now he's a Michigan basketball legend.
Before leaving for good, however, he took to social media to send a message to all who supported him.
âAs I reflect and prepare to take the next step in my career, I am so grateful,â Lendeborg wrote. âItâs amazing how so much can change in a year and this journey has been incredible. Iâll remember it for the rest of my life.
Q&A
What awards did Yaxel Lendeborg receive during his time at Michigan?
Yaxel Lendeborg was named All-Big Ten first team, All-Defensive team, Big Ten player of the year, and a first team All-American.
How many wins did Michigan basketball achieve with Lendeborg?
Michigan basketball recorded a program-record 37 wins during Lendeborg's season.
What significant achievements did Michigan basketball accomplish in 2026?
In 2026, Michigan won the Big Ten regular-season championship, achieved a league-record 19 wins in conference play, and secured their first national championship in 37 years.
When did Yaxel Lendeborg transfer to Michigan basketball?
Yaxel Lendeborg transferred to Michigan from UAB prior to the 2025-2026 season.
