NEW YORK – The Golden State Warriors selected Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday, adding one of college basketball’s most versatile two-way players and a central piece of the former Dusty May-coached national championship run.
Lendeborg, nicknamed “Dominican LeBron” by teammates, capped one of the most decorated college careers in recent memory, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors, a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, and consensus First-Team All-America recognition while leading Michigan to both the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament championships.
Recommended Videos
The Wolverines became the first program to sweep both titles since Michigan State in 2000.
On Tuesday (March 10), Lendeborg was named Big Ten Player of the Year in both the league’s coaches and the media for the Wolverines.
The achievement hasn’t been given to a Michigan man since Nik Stauskas (2014) and Trey Burke (2013) went back-to-back.
A journey unlike any other
Lendeborg’s path to the NBA is anything but conventional.
He began his college career at Arizona Western College, where he became the NJCAA’s all-time leading rebounder before transferring to UAB. With the Blazers, he earned two First-Team All-AAC selections, two AAC Defensive Player of the Year awards, and the 2024 AAC Tournament MVP.
His transfer to Michigan proved transformative. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 52/37/82 from the field, establishing himself as one of the most complete players in college basketball.
His parents played for the Dominican Republic national teams, and the family’s basketball roots clearly run deep. Lendeborg entered the draft as arguably the most pro-ready prospect in the 2026 class.
Postseason brilliance
Lendeborg was at his best when the stakes were highest.
Named Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player, he delivered a pair of performances that defined Michigan’s championship run. He posted 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists against Alabama in the Sweet 16, then followed with 27 points against Tennessee in the Elite Eight.
His ability to take over games on both ends of the floor and make the right play in critical moments reinforced what scouts had been saying all season: Lendeborg is built for the big stage.
What scouts see
With a 7′4″ wingspan, Lendeborg profiles as a switchable, modern forward capable of guarding multiple positions at the next level.
Scouts project him as an elite defensive stopper in the mold of OG Anunoby early in his career, with room to expand his offensive game over time. His blend of physical traits and playing style also draws comparisons to Keegan Murray and Kris Murray, both of whom spent multiple years in college before becoming NBA contributors, as well as to veterans Thaddeus Young and Aaron Gordon, long-tenured pros who thrived after entering the league as unpolished prospects.
Lendeborg’s strengths are well-documented: a switchable defensive presence, elite connective passing, efficient rim finishing, and functional shooting range.
He is a two-time Karl Malone Award finalist, further underlining his reputation as one of college basketball’s premier big men.
Age, fit, upside
One question that follows Lendeborg into the draft is his age.
He is just one year younger than established stars Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham, making him old by lottery prospect standards, and it remains to be seen how much upside he still has.
Still, his playstyle translates immediately to the professional game. Lendeborg projects as a versatile defender who can connect offense, create for others, and space the floor, a profile that fits the modern NBA.
Next step
Now, Lendeborg takes the next step by joining the Warriors organization. With championship experience, a proven track record at every level, and the physical tools to make an immediate impact, he arrives in the NBA as one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects.
Golden State is betting that Lendeborg’s relentless development, winning pedigree, and two-way versatility make him a cornerstone piece for years to come.