Lendeborg outduels Boozer as Dubs claim summer league title LAS VEGAS — Yaxel Lendeborg secured his second championship in four months on Sunday, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 94-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA summer league championship at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. The win marked the Warriors’ second title in the event’s history, joining the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers as the only teams to claim the trophy multiple times since the tournament’s inception in 2013. Lendeborg, a 2026 draft pick, delivered a standout performance with 21 points and 10 rebounds, outperforming Memphis’ Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall selection from Duke, in a fiercely contested matchup. Lendeborg’s victory came just months after he led the University of Michigan to an NCAA championship, making him the second player in history to win both a Division I title and a Vegas summer league championship in the same year. The 11th overall pick in the 2026 draft emphasized his focus on winning, stating, “I just wanted to prove I’m a winner. Doing stuff like this—caring about the outcome, not the stats—will carry over to next season with the Warriors.” His comments reflected the team’s emphasis on unselfish play, a philosophy he carried over from his NCAA success. The Warriors’ triumph was hard-earned, as the game remained tied at halftime and featured a back-and-forth second half. Boozer, who led the Grizzlies with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, briefly gave Memphis a double-digit lead with a clutch 3-pointer in the third quarter. However, Lendeborg’s relentless scoring in the fourth quarter turned the tide, as he scored three consecutive baskets to spark a Warriors comeback.#memphis_grizzlies #golden_state_warriors #unlv #yaxel_lendeborg #thomas_mack_center
Lakers vs. Warriors Summer League Preview: A Semifinal Rematch The Los Angeles Lakers, who have remained undefeated in the Summer League with a 4-0 record, will face a significant test in the semifinals when they take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The matchup, set for 5:30 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 18, marks a rematch of their earlier encounter in the California Classic, where the Warriors secured their only victory of the summer. For the Lakers, the challenge is to maintain their perfect record and advance to the finals, while the Warriors aim to avenge their previous loss. The Warriors, seeded fourth in the tournament, enter the game with a 3-1 record. Their roster includes standout rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick in the draft, who has been a dominant force this summer. Lendeborg averages 16 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across five games, making him a key player to watch. His performance will be central to the Warriors’ strategy, particularly against the Lakers’ defense. The matchup will also feature Cameron Carr, who has been a consistent performer for the Lakers. Carr’s effectiveness has been amplified by strong support from teammates such as Adou Thiero, Arthur Kaluma, and Chris Mañon, giving the Lakers a competitive edge in depth and team cohesion. The Warriors’ offensive strength lies in their shooting ability, which the Lakers must neutralize to secure a win. While Lendeborg is a focal point, the Lakers will also need to contain LJ Cryer, who delivered a standout performance against the New York Knicks. Coach Ty Abbott’s defensive approach has been instrumental in limiting opponents’ scoring, and the Lakers’ physicality will be a critical factor in containing the Warriors’ perimeter threats.#warriors #lakers #yaxel_lendeborg #thomas_mack_center #cameron_carr
Final NBA Mock Draft Roundup for Michigan Basketball’s Draft Prospects On the heels of a national championship and the best season in program history, Michigan is expected to make history once again on Tuesday night, with the chance to have three players selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. The players in focus are Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara. With just over 24 hours to go until the draft begins, let’s examine where some of the latest mock drafts have placed these former Wolverine stars. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projects Aday Mara as the 11th overall pick for the Golden State Warriors, where he could immediately slot into the starting center role. Morez Johnson Jr. is selected 12th by the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining the big-man rotation with potential championship aspirations in his rookie season. Yaxel Lendeborg, meanwhile, is expected to be the 15th overall selection for the Chicago Bulls, where he could compete for a starting spot and help set the culture for a younger team. Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor aligns with the Warriors taking Aday Mara at 11th overall. Yaxel Lendeborg is projected to the Thunder at 12th, where his age and development could align with the team’s long-term plans. Morez Johnson Jr. is sent to the Charlotte Hornets at 14th, where he would compete for minutes in an inexperienced rotation of big men. USA Today’s Brian Kalbrosky places Aday Mara at 12th overall for the Oklahoma City Thunder, citing the team’s need for another big man following Chet Holmgren’s playoff struggles and salary constraints affecting Isaiah Hartenstein’s future. Morez Johnson Jr. is selected 14th by the Hornets, where his fit in a light rotation is highlighted.#golden_state_warriors #nba_draft #yaxel_lendeborg #aday_mara #morez_johnson_jr
Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg Seeks Revenge Against Alabama After Transfer Portal Snub Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is approaching the Sweet 16 matchup against Alabama with a mix of determination and unresolved feelings over his recruitment history. During a press conference on Thursday, Lendeborg revealed that the Crimson Tide, his third-round opponent, had been a top target for him after leaving the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) last year. Despite his hopes, Alabama did not recruit him, a decision that left him feeling “a little bit” hurt, though he emphasized there was no lingering resentment. Lendeborg’s journey began when he entered the transfer portal after two seasons at UAB, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s 2024 NCAA tournament run. He had hoped Alabama would show interest, but the Crimson Tide’s lack of outreach frustrated him. “Once I entered the transfer portal out of UAB, I was hoping to get recruited by Alabama. And when I didn’t, it kind of hurt me a little bit,” he said, adding that the rejection “bothered me” but did not lead to bitterness. Instead, he joined the No. 1-seeded Wolverines, now facing Alabama in the Sweet 16. The matchup carries personal weight for Lendeborg, who described the game as an opportunity for “extra motivation.” He acknowledged the emotional stakes but clarified that his focus remains on the team’s performance. “Not in the sense where I’m like, ‘This is what you guys missed out on,’ but like, you guys could have at least called,” he said. “There’s no bad blood. Maybe I didn’t fit the system.” Alabama head coach Nate Oats confirmed the team had reached out to Lendeborg but admitted the recruitment process was brief. “We did make a call. It never got very deep,” Oats said.#alabama_crimson_tide #michigan_wolverines #yaxel_lendeborg #nate_oats #university_of_alabama_birmingham
Michigan vs. Alabama in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: Live Updates, Stats, and Game Context The University of Alabama faced No. 1 seed Michigan in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, with the game unfolding as a high-stakes showdown. Live updates detailed the progression of the contest, highlighting key moments and player performances. Alabama’s offense struggled to find rhythm against Michigan’s disciplined defense, while the Wolverines’ balanced attack kept the Crimson Tide on their heels. Game Highlights Live Score: Alabama trailed Michigan by a narrow margin in the final minutes, with the Wolverines securing a hard-fought victory. Player Performances: Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg emerged as a standout, contributing critical points and rebounds. Alabama’s Aden Holloway, however, remained sidelined due to legal issues, as he was arrested earlier in the season for possession of marijuana and tax stamp violations. Key Stats: Michigan shot efficiently from beyond the arc, while Alabama’s struggles at the free-throw line proved costly. Context and Predictions Game Time and How to Watch: The matchup took place at the United Center in Chicago, with fans tuning in to witness the clash of top-tier programs. Coaching Insights: Alabama’s Nate Oats addressed rumors about his future, stating, “I’m not looking to leave” and emphasizing his commitment to the program. Predictions: Analysts favored Michigan’s depth and experience, with many projecting a close game that the Wolverines would ultimately win. Additional Notes Recruiting Context: Lendeborg, who previously played for Alabama-Birmingham, expressed hope of being recruited by Alabama but ultimately chose to transfer.#university_of_michigan #university_of_alabama #yaxel_lendeborg #ncaa_tournament_sweet_16 #aden_holloway
Top transfers of NCAA Men's Tournament: Which players have biggest Sweet 16 impact? First-year transfers are making a significant impact in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament as they push their teams toward the Sweet 16. With the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, these transfers have become crucial assets for college programs, often bringing fresh talent and competitive edge. For some teams, reaching the Sweet 16 is a major achievement, while for others, like No. 1 seed Michigan, it marks a step closer to the Final Four. Here’s a look at the top first-year transfers shaping the Sweet 16 landscape. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan’s No. 1-ranked transfer from UAB, has been a standout in his first season. The first-team All-American earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors, averaging 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. His performance has been instrumental in Michigan’s success this season. Bennett Stirtz, a guard for Iowa, has had a remarkable college journey. Starting at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to Drake under coach Ben McCollum before joining Iowa. Stirtz has emerged as a potential 2026 NBA Draft lottery pick, averaging 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His ability to score 30+ points three times this season highlights his growth. Pryce Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter for Nebraska, left Iowa after the Hawkeyes parted ways with coach Fran McCaffery. His move proved successful, as he averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His scoring ability has been a key factor in Nebraska’s tournament run. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who previously starred for Maryland in a Sweet 16 run, continues to excel for Tennessee.#ncaa_men_s_tournament #yaxel_lendeborg #pryce_sandfort #bennett_stirtz #sweet_16
Yaxel Lendeborg NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land March Madness has reached its peak, and the standout performances of college athletes are shaping the narrative for the 2026 NBA draft class. The draft is set for late June, and USA TODAY’s latest mock draft highlights Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg as a first-round prospect. The forward, a key figure in the Big Ten, is projected to be selected with the eighth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. According to the mock draft, the Grizzlies’ selection of Lendeborg would mark a strategic move to bolster their rebuilding roster. The team recently traded away Jaren Jackson Jr., creating an opportunity to invest in a player with clear NBA potential. Lendeborg, who transferred from mid-major UAB to Michigan, has silenced critics who questioned whether his game could translate to the professional level. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court has made him a standout prospect in this draft class. The analysis emphasizes that Lendeborg’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility positions him as the most NBA-ready player in the 2026 class. His performance this season has been a testament to his growth, particularly after the transition to a high-major program. The Grizzlies’ history of drafting players with similar backgrounds, such as Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward, further supports the viability of this pick. Lendeborg’s stats reflect his impact on the court. As of March 15, he averages 17.7 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and shoots 50.9% from the field while connecting on 35.3% of his three-point attempts. These numbers underscore his efficiency and ability to space the floor, traits highly valued in modern basketball. The Grizzlies’ projected draft picks for 2026 include selections at No. 8, No.#big_ten #memphis_grizzlies #nba_draft #tankathon #yaxel_lendeborg
