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
