UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg Aims for NBA Transition

Categories: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Yaxel Lendeborg making a powerful move on the court.

News Summary

Yaxel Lendeborg, a standout forward from UAB, has entered the NCAA transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft. With impressive stats from the last season and notable recognition, he aims to elevate his basketball career. As he navigates this crucial phase, including the upcoming NBA Combine, Lendeborg is drawing interest from various programs while contemplating his next steps.

Birmingham Buzz: UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg Sets His Sights on the NBA

Exciting news has emerged from Birmingham, Alabama, as Yaxel Lendeborg, a standout forward from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has made headlines by entering the NCAA transfer portal. But that’s not all—Lendeborg has also declared for the NBA Draft, signaling his ambition to take his basketball career to the next level.

A Stellar Journey Through College Basketball

For the past two seasons, Lendeborg has donned the green and gold for UAB, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a dominant force on the court. Before making his mark at UAB, he spent two years at Arizona Western College, where he truly shone as a player. During his time there, Lendeborg was recognized as a two-time NJCAA All-American and earned accolades as the back-to-back ACCAC Player of the Year. His impressive journey has certainly set him up well for the next chapter of his career.

Impressive Season Highlights

In the recently concluded 2024-2025 season at UAB, Lendeborg dazzled fans with his performance, averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. His shooting was nothing short of remarkable, hitting an impressive 52.2% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. One of his standout performances occurred during UAB’s first-round AAC Tournament win against East Carolina, where he recorded season-highs of 30 points and 20 rebounds. In that game, he also showcased his versatility with eight assists, four blocks, and five steals—an all-around phenomenal achievement.

Acknowledgment of Talent

Thanks to his stellar performance, Lendeborg earned the title of AAC Defensive Player of the Year and received an All-AAC First-Team selection for the second consecutive season. His contribution to the team was pivotal, particularly his record-setting 420 rebounds, which stands as the most in both UAB program and conference history.

The NBA Dream Awaits

As Lendeborg steps into the world of potential NBA prospects, excitement is buzzing about his future. Recent NBA mock drafts, notably by ESPN, project him as the No. 53 overall pick. With interest from a myriad of respected programs such as Memphis, Arkansas, Kentucky, BYU, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Georgetown, it’s evident that Lendeborg has caught the eyes of many.

Important Dates to Remember

For players like Lendeborg, the road to the NBA can be challenging yet thrilling. There’s a deadline looming—players have until June 15 to withdraw from NBA Draft consideration while maintaining their college eligibility. As Lendeborg contemplates his next move, eyes will be on him to see if he stays in the draft or heads back to college basketball, where he’s expected to command a high NIL asking price.

Upcoming Opportunities

The excitement builds as the NBA Combine is scheduled for May 11-18, presenting Lendeborg with a crucial opportunity to showcase his talents in front of scouts and team executives. This event will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping his future, whether in the NBA or back at the collegiate level.

Conclusion

Fans and followers of UAB basketball are undoubtedly excited to see where this talented player will land next. With a strong track record and unwavering commitment, Yaxel Lendeborg is poised for a bright future in professional basketball. As we watch his journey unfold, one thing is for sure—this is just the beginning for this promising athlete!