**Buffalo, N.Y. ** - The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team faced a tough night after their 80-72 loss to Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament championship.
But the real blow came with the news that their star, Yaxel Lendeborg, suffered a low-ankle sprain during the game. This injury looms large as the Wolverines gear up for the NCAA Tournament, with their first stop in Buffalo.
Despite the setback, Lendeborg, who’s been a powerhouse for Michigan, was optimistic. “I know no matter how I feel, I'm going to be good to go for that game,” he confidently stated on Sunday.
Fast forward to Wednesday, and his determination was on full display. During an open practice at KeyBank Center, Lendeborg participated fully, moving through drills without any visible support, save for some high-top shoes to offer a bit of extra protection.
“Yeah, I feel okay,” Lendeborg shared. “The high tops are just a precaution.
I practiced yesterday, and while jumping and moving forward felt good, cutting was a bit tricky. But come game time, with adrenaline pumping, I think I'll be ready.”
Lendeborg’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. As the Big Ten Player of the Year, he’s the first Wolverine to claim the honor since Nik Stauskas in 2014. His name now stands proudly alongside Michigan legends like Roy Tarpley, Gary Grant, Glen Rice, and Trey Burke.
A transfer from UAB and a projected NBA lottery pick, Lendeborg has been a statistical juggernaut. He ranks among the top 20 in the Big Ten in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game, showcasing his all-around prowess.
His leadership was crucial in Michigan’s record-breaking 19 Big Ten regular-season wins, the best in-conference record in half a century. His clutch game-winner against Wisconsin propelled the Wolverines to the championship game.
Now, with just their third loss in 34 games, Michigan is looking to bounce back as they prepare to face Howard, with potential matchups against Georgia or Saint Louis on the horizon. Lendeborg believes the key lies in rediscovering their joy and freedom on the court, which fueled their impressive 29-2 regular season.
Reflecting on their journey, Lendeborg emphasized, “That loss shouldn’t define our season. We’ve had a blast and made incredible memories. We just need to focus on what got us here, reflect on our successes, and enjoy the ride.”
As the Wolverines embark on their NCAA Tournament journey, all eyes will be on Lendeborg and his ability to lead his team with the same passion and skill that made them a force to be reckoned with this season.