Yaxel Lendeborg's SECOND HALF DOMINANCE! Michigan Basketball's Hidden Gem? (2025)

Picture this: a highly talented basketball standout, who could've jumped straight to the NBA, starts a big game looking out of sync and uninspired – but then flips the script in the second half, dominating the court like a force of nature. That's the thrilling story of Yaxel Lendeborg, and it's one that leaves fans wondering just how much more he's capable of. But here's where it gets controversial: was turning down the draft a savvy move, or did it add unnecessary pressure on this graduate forward? Stick around to dive deeper into what unfolded on the court for Michigan's No. 7 men's basketball team.

Among the Wolverines searching for clarity after a rocky first half was Lendeborg, the 6-foot-9 forward with a graduate year left, who chose to stay in college rather than enter the NBA draft this summer. It's a decision that's sparked plenty of debate among fans and analysts – some see it as a bold opportunity to build his game further, while others question if he's passing up prime earning potential. Lendeborg, known for his dynamic athleticism, sharp shooting, and ability to create plays, looked nothing like his usual self on film or in practice. He managed just five points on six shots in those initial 15 minutes, blending into the background as Michigan, even without key players like sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. and junior center Aday Mara, played like a team still figuring out how to gel. The scoreboard read 52-34 against them, and their assist-to-turnover ratio – basically, a measure of how efficiently they're sharing the ball without losing it (they had 5 assists to 14 turnovers) – highlighted a disjointed offense that felt more like a practice scrimmage than a real game.

Walking to the locker room at halftime, Lendeborg turned to Aaron Johnson, his trainer from his time at UAB, for some straight talk.

'He just said it to me straight,' Lendeborg recalled. 'You know, 'I’m playing soft, and I should be dominating these guys.' His words put everything in a fresh light for me. I tried it once, and it clicked. I thanked him and kept pushing forward.'

In no time, Lendeborg shifted from a sideline observer to the engine driving Michigan's attack. And this is the part most people miss – how a quick mental reset can ignite a star's performance. After Cincinnati missed a three-pointer and junior point guard Elliot Cadeau snatched a steal, sending the Wolverines into fast-break mode, Lendeborg nailed his first three of the half with an assist from Cadeau. He kept the momentum rolling, grabbing the ball on a transition play and attacking the rim twice in a row for back-to-back and-one opportunities – those are plays where you score and get fouled, adding a free throw for extra points.

Barely three minutes into the second half, Lendeborg had racked up 9 of Michigan's 12 points, slicing the deficit down to 11. It was a reminder of his raw potential, blending physicality with skill to produce extra plays and points for the team.

'It reached a moment where they needed more from me,' Lendeborg explained. 'I decided to attack harder, lean into my physical strengths, and create more opportunities for us.' For beginners watching college basketball, this highlights how a player's mindset can shift dramatically – from hesitation to aggression – and turn the tide of a game.