A projected 2025 NBA first-round pick has revealed a stunning decision over his future.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with just under a month to go until the 2025 NBA Draft.
GettyUAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg holding his AAC Tournament MVP trophy in March 2024[/caption] GettyLendeborg spotted during a November 2024 game[/caption]The NCAA deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft and maintain college eligibility is Wednesday at 11:59 pm ET.
So on Tuesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Yaxel Lendeborg will withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft to spend his final collegiate season at the Michigan Wolverines.
The decision comes as a surprise, as Lendeborg was a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
“While it’s been and still is a dream of mine to play in the NBA, I feel the development and growth as a player and a person I will gain at the University of Michigan will be very beneficial,” Lendeborg told ESPN.
Fans were stunned at Lendeborg’s decision to remain in college for one more season.
“Did NOT see this one coming,” one wrote.
“I am kinda shocked by this,” another commented.
“NIL money is crazy,” a third added.
Lendeborg played for the UAB Blazers from 2023 and 2025.
Last season, the 22-year-old averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game.
Lendeborg also shot 55 percent from two-point range and 36 percent from deep.
He was the AAC Tournament MVP in 2024 and received a first-team All-AAC and AAC Defensive Player of the Year nods in each of the last two campaigns.
Lendeborg was the No. 1 big man in the NCAA transfer portal and committed to coach Dusty May in April.
He was the No. 1 big man in the NCAA transfer portal and committed to coach Dusty May in April.
The 6-foot-9 Lendeborg’s draft stock was rising after his performance in the NBA Draft combine earlier this month.
GettyLandeborg was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after a productive junior season and NBA Draft combine performance this month[/caption]Lendeborg was expected to be drafted between the No. 20 and No. 30 picks.
But he has the chance to be drafted earlier in the 2026 NBA Draft.
And Lendeborg will be part of a Wolverines squad that has aspirations to win the NCAA tournament next season.
Michigan appeared in the Sweet 16 of the 2024-25 NCAA tournament.
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