3 - Yaxel Lendeborg

6-9, 250 Power Forward/Center
UAB Senior
Birthday
09/30/02 (22.6 yrs)
Hometown
Pennsauken, NJ
High School
Pennsauken
Team Site Profile
Athleticism
7
Size
9
Defense
7
Strength
8
Quickness
7
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
8
NBA Ready
8
Rebounding
8
Potential
7
Post Skills
7
Intangibles
8

NBA Comparison: Royce White / Kyle Anderson

Strengths: A late bloomer with a unique skill set, Lendeborg is one of the most productive and versatile frontcourt prospects in the 2025 draft class … At 6’9” with a reported 7’3” wingspan, he blends rebounding, playmaking, and defensive feel in ways few modern forwards can … Averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game over 37 games as a senior at UAB, showcasing elite statistical output and consistent two-way impact … A highly intelligent decision-maker, especially from the high post and short roll, where his vision allows him to find cutters and spot-up shooters with precision … Carries a strong 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio (4.2 to 2.2), highlighting his basketball IQ and team-first mentality … Defensively, he’s fundamentally sound—using length and anticipation to rotate, contest, and disrupt without fouling … Rarely out of position, thriving in help-side or drop coverage schemes … Offensively, he finishes well around the basket and shot an efficient 52.2% from the field … Also flashed real promise as a floor spacer, knocking down 35.7% from three and 75.7% from the free throw line … Can grab a rebound and push the ball in transition or make the right read to ignite fast breaks … A high-motor competitor who wins rebounding battles through positioning, effort, and timing rather than elite athleticism … Vocal leader and reliable glue guy who positively impacts multiple areas of the game without needing the ball to be effective

Weaknesses: Lacks elite burst and vertical explosion, which limits his ability to finish through or over NBA-level rim protectors and caps his upside as a shot-blocker … Doesn’t project as a switchable big and can struggle defending in space due to average lateral movement and recovery speed … May be exposed against quicker forwards or in defensive schemes that require hard hedges and frequent switches … Not a primary rim protector and likely needs to be paired with a more athletic interior presence to anchor a defense … While his perimeter shot has improved, it features a slower, deliberate release that could be challenged by quicker closeouts at the next level … Doesn’t offer much self-creation and struggles to generate offense in isolation or when forced to create off the bounce … Unlikely to command defensive attention or draw help consistently … Best suited in structured, system-based roles that maximize his feel, positioning, and off-ball instincts …

Outlook: A former JUCO All-American who transitioned smoothly to Division I, earning First Team All-AAC and AAC Defensive Player of the Year … Lendeborg projects as a high-IQ forward who can fill a valuable rotation role at the next level … His feel for the game, rebounding motor, and playmaking ability give him strong appeal as a connector and team-oriented big … Fits best as a modern four or small-ball five who can facilitate from the elbow, rebound, and defend within a scheme … If his lateral agility and shooting consistency continue to trend upward, he has a path toward becoming a long-term contributor for a playoff-caliber team … In a class light on two-way glue guys with real production, Lendeborg offers a mature, plug-and-play option … He has committed to transfer to Michigan for the 2024–25 season if he does not secure a first-round NBA promise, giving him a strong fallback should he opt to return to school …

Notes: Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Pennsauken, New Jersey … Began playing organized basketball at 15 after encouragement from his mother … Unique skill set and unique journey to his professional career … Played just 11 games of varsity high school basketball before earning JUCO All-American honors at Arizona Western College … Transferred to UAB for the 2023–24 season … Measured with a 7’3” wingspan … Shot 52.2% FG, 35.7% 3PT, and 75.7% FT as a junior … Named First Team All-AAC and AAC Defensive Player of the Year …

Aran Smith 4/14/25

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