Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg Predicted to Land With Struggling NBA Team
Yaxel Lendeborg, a key player in Michigan's 2024 NCAA championship win, is projected to be selected sixth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA draft. Recent mock drafts highlight his readiness for the NBA after a successful transition from UAB to Michigan. The Grizzlies' history of drafting experienced players increases the likelihood of this projection.
- ▪Yaxel Lendeborg helped Michigan win the 2024 NCAA championship, marking the Big Ten's first title since 2000.
- ▪Bryan Kalbrosky of USA Today predicts Lendeborg will be drafted sixth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- ▪Lendeborg is considered one of the most NBA-ready players in the 2026 draft class after winning Big Ten Player of the Year.
- ▪The Grizzlies have previously drafted players with similar profiles, including Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
- ▪The NBA draft early entry deadline was April 24, with a withdrawal deadline for retaining college eligibility set for May 27.
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By Anne EricksonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Michigan Wolverines snagged the Big Ten's first NCAA championship since 2000 this year with their towering win over the UConn Huskies.Now, one of their star players, Yaxel Lendeborg, is being predicted to land with a struggling NBA franchise.New NBA mock drafts are out, and the landscape has changed. The NBA draft's early entry deadline for basketball prospects to declare for the 2026 NBA draft was April 24, so the mocks have evolved a bit. Now, 71 college players have submitted their applications.
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