Yaxel Lendeborg Declares For NBA Draft After Breakout Season
Yaxel Lendeborg Declares For NBA Draft After Breakout Season...
UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg announced his decision to enter the 2026 NBA Draft on Monday, capping a breakout junior season that put him on scouts' radars. The 6'9" big man averaged 15.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, leading the Blazers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in five years.
Lendeborg's declaration comes after he earned First Team All-Conference USA honors and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. His combination of rim protection, rebounding, and developing perimeter skills has drawn comparisons to Utah Jazz forward John Collins among NBA evaluators.
The New Jersey native made his announcement via social media, thanking UAB coaches and teammates. "Time to chase the dream," Lendeborg wrote alongside highlights of his college career. The post has garnered over 50,000 likes in its first six hours.
NBA scouts began tracking Lendeborg closely after his 28-point, 17-rebound performance against Memphis in December. His draft stock rose further during UAB's tournament run, where he held his own against projected lottery pick Cooper Flagg in their second-round matchup.
ESPN currently projects Lendeborg as a late first-round to early second-round selection. The draft will be held June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Several teams needing frontcourt depth, including the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings, have reportedly scheduled private workouts with the rising prospect.
UAB head coach Andy Kennedy praised Lendeborg's development in a statement: "From junior college to leading us to the Big Dance, Yax earned this opportunity. His work ethic will translate well at the next level."
The 2026 draft class is considered weaker than recent years, potentially giving under-the-radar prospects like Lendeborg better opportunities. His declaration comes two days before the NCAA's April 10 early entry deadline, beating the rush of expected announcements this week.
Lendeborg is represented by agent Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball, who also negotiated Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller's rookie contract. Turner confirmed his client will sign with an agency but will maintain college eligibility until the May 29 withdrawal deadline.
College basketball analysts note Lendeborg's path mirrors recent success stories like Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who leveraged one dominant college season into lottery status. While not projected that high, Lendeborg's combination of size (7'2" wingspan) and modern skills could make him a draft-night steal.
Fans in Birmingham have flooded social media with support, with #YaxToTheLeague trending locally. The Blazers now face rebuilding their frontcourt, though Lendeborg's departure was expected after his tournament performance.
NBA Combine invitations will be announced May 1, with Lendeborg almost certain to receive one. His measurements and athletic testing could significantly impact his draft position in what analysts call one of the most wide-open drafts in recent memory.
