Breaking News;Yaxel Lendeborg’s Draft Decision: Which Michigan Player Has the Most to Gain?
In a move that could have ripple effects across the Big Ten, Yaxel Lendeborg announced his decision to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility. The 6’9” forward, known for his elite rebounding, high-motor defense, and versatile offensive skillset, had been a key offseason addition for the Michigan Wolverines after transferring from Arkansas. His departure now leaves a significant void — but also opportunity.
Michigan, under head coach Dusty May, must now recalibrate its plans for the 2024–25 season. The program has undergone a dramatic roster overhaul this spring, and while Lendeborg’s decision is a blow to the team’s immediate ceiling, it opens the door for several returning and incoming players to carve out larger roles.
So, who stands to benefit the most?
Tarris Reed Jr.: The Biggest Winner?
The most obvious answer is Tarris Reed Jr., the 6’10” junior center who now becomes Michigan’s likely starting anchor in the frontcourt. Reed has shown flashes of two-way dominance in his first two years but struggled at times with foul trouble and consistency. With Lendeborg gone, Reed is now unquestionably the team’s top big man and a focal point of the frontcourt rotation.
Reed has the physical tools and pedigree to make an NBA leap of his own, but he needs a breakout year. Without Lendeborg competing for minutes and touches in the paint, Reed will have the chance to show off his improved footwork, rim protection, and passing out of the post — all traits scouts will be monitoring closely.
Incoming Freshman Durral Brooks: More Early Opportunity?
While Lendeborg’s exit doesn’t directly open up a guard spot, it does affect the team’s depth and rotations across the board. That could mean more minutes in small-ball lineups, where Michigan opts to play with one big and surround him with more perimeter players.
Enter Durral Brooks, a highly touted freshman combo guard who could now find himself on the floor more often than expected. His energy, scoring instincts, and toughness could help fill the leadership void left by Lendeborg’s presence, albeit in a different way.
Will Tschetter: A Veteran With a Shot
Redshirt junior Will Tschetter is another under-the-radar candidate to benefit. A gritty, high-effort forward who’s paid his dues in the program, Tschetter has the chance to earn significant backup minutes — or even push for a starting role depending on how the depth chart shakes out. His shooting touch and basketball IQ could make him a key stretch-four option if May wants to space the floor more.
What Michigan Loses in Lendeborg
It’s important not to understate what Michigan is losing. Lendeborg averaged 12.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks last season at Arkansas and was widely expected to bring physicality and toughness to the Wolverines. His ability to defend multiple positions and anchor the paint was one of the key reasons he was considered a plug-and-play contributor for May’s first Michigan squad.
Now, Michigan must look inward. While Lendeborg’s exit reshapes the team’s identity, it also gives others the chance to step up.
Final Thought
Lendeborg’s NBA dreams are alive, and Michigan’s path forward is still full of promise. While his decision leaves questions about the Wolverines’ frontcourt depth, it also gives players like Tarris Reed Jr. a golden opportunity — not just to lead, but to elevate their own professional aspirations.
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