Yaxel Lendeborg Withdraws from NBA Draft; What It Means for Michigan Basketball, Plus Football Kickoff Times Revealed
May 31, 2025 – Ann Arbor, MI
In a move that sent waves of excitement through the Michigan basketball community, forward Yaxel Lendeborg has officially withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to college for the upcoming season. The decision marks a major boost for head coach Dusty May in his first year at the helm of the Wolverines.
Lendeborg, who transferred to Michigan from Arkansas State earlier this spring, entered his name in the draft to gauge interest from NBA scouts. Known for his defensive tenacity, rebounding, and high motor, Lendeborg was considered a fringe second-round prospect but ultimately opted to return to school to further develop his game.
His return is a critical development for a Michigan program in transition. After a disappointing 2024 season that saw the Wolverines miss the NCAA Tournament and part ways with former head coach Juwan Howard, the addition of Lendeborg solidifies a retooled roster that blends returning contributors, transfers, and high-profile recruits.
At 6-foot-9, Lendeborg averaged 13.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season. He was the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Conference honors. His ability to anchor a defense and run the floor makes him an ideal fit for May’s up-tempo style. With Lendeborg back in the fold, Michigan boasts a legitimate interior presence capable of matching up with the Big Ten’s elite big men.
“This is a huge win for Michigan,” said college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman. “Lendeborg gives them toughness, experience, and defensive versatility. He’s not just a glue guy — he could be the centerpiece of what Dusty May is building.”
Lendeborg’s return also gives the Wolverines a strong frontcourt duo alongside rising sophomore Tarris Reed Jr., who showed promise last season. With additional transfers such as former FAU standout Alijah Martin joining the program, Michigan is poised to make a leap in Year 1 under May.
While basketball fans have reason to celebrate, Michigan football supporters also got a key update on Friday: the first three kickoff times of the 2025 season have been announced.
The Wolverines will open their campaign on August 30 against Fresno State at noon ET on FOX, part of the network’s “Big Noon Saturday” lineup. The following week, Michigan will host UTEP on September 6, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. In Week 3, the Wolverines travel to play Texas in a highly anticipated matchup under the lights. That game is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and is expected to be one of the marquee non-conference games of the early season.
The kickoff announcements provide fans with a clearer picture of what promises to be an exciting fall in Ann Arbor. Under new head coach Sherrone Moore, the football program is entering a new era after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL.
With momentum building in both basketball and football, Michigan athletics is setting the stage for a compelling
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