Yaxel Lendeborg
Overview
Yaxel Lendeborg is an American college basketball player and a forward for the UAB Blazers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After standing out on the junior college (two-year college) stage, he advanced to NCAA Division I and developed into a player combining rebounding, defense, and versatile scoring. In the 2024-25 season he was named AAC (American Athletic Conference) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, making him one of the conference's top talents.
Key Details
Birth and Background
Lendeborg is known to be from Pennsauken, New Jersey. In high school he drew attention for his physical tools and athleticism, but he did not reach the ranks of nationally touted prospects and did not receive interest from major four-year programs during the college recruiting process. He therefore chose the junior college route to prove his value.
Junior College Career
Playing at Arizona Western College, he made his presence felt at the NJCAA level. Showing a playing style close to that of a 'stretch forward' — able to dominate the boards in the paint, block shots, and shoot from the perimeter — he produced conference player-of-the-year-caliber play and was mentioned as an NJCAA All-American candidate. His growth during this period served as a springboard for his transfer to a four-year program.
Transfer to UAB and 2023-24 Season
After joining the UAB Blazers in 2023, he immediately established himself as a starting forward. From his first season he averaged double-digit points and near double-digit rebounds, anchoring the team's interior, and on defense he was evaluated as a versatile defender combining rim protection and steals. He ranked near the top of the AAC in rebounding, cementing his presence.
2024-25 Season: Reaching the Top of the Conference
In this season he grew into a player at a completely different level. He averaged in the mid-17s in points, around 11 rebounds, and close to 4 assists, producing at a level above a double-double average. In particular, he competed for first place in the conference in rebounding and also served as the hub of the team's offense with his passing ability. As a result, he was named AAC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Conference First Team. During the season he produced several 20-20 games and drew national attention.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Rebounding: With a strong upper body and positioning ability, he dominates rebounds on both ends.
- Defensive versatility: He can handle both rim protection and perimeter switch defense.
- Offensive versatility: He is a 'point forward' type capable of post-ups, mid-range shooting, three-point shooting, and handoffs and passing.
- Energy and leadership: His plays that raise the game's tempo and his on-court leadership are cited as strengths.
NBA Draft
He considered entering the 2024 NBA Draft but returned to the college stage to raise his value further, and then entered the 2025 draft. Although he is a somewhat older 'senior' prospect, his potential to be an immediate contributor, along with his defense, rebounding, and flexibility to handle various lineups, led to discussion of him being selected in the early-to-mid second round or higher.
Latest Developments
After finishing the 2024-25 season as the AAC's best player, he is going through the NBA Draft and professional entry process, highlighting his defense and rebounding in the draft combine and workout process. At the college level he has already been evaluated as a 'rebound machine' and 'defensive anchor,' and among professional scouts, three-point shooting consistency and the ability to handle switch defense are pointed to as key factors for his professional adjustment. The fact that UAB is reorganizing its team around him and maintaining top-tier competitiveness in the AAC is also a major point to watch in the 2025 season.
Related Topics
- [[UAB Blazers]]
- [[NCAA Basketball]]
- [[AAC]]
- [[NBA Draft]]
- [[Junior College Basketball]]