Less than a week after dropping 29 points in a dominant 101-83 road win over Maryland, Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg traded in his jersey for a shopping bag - and a chance to give back.
On a chilly Friday in Ferndale, Lendeborg teamed up with Detroit Pistons center Paul Reed and Octagon Basketball to host a holiday shopping spree for 14 local kids. Each child received $250 to spend at DTLR, picking out sneakers, sweatshirts, and other gear just in time for Christmas.
The best part? The money came straight from Lendeborg’s own pocket.
“This is always something I’ve wanted to do,” Lendeborg said before the event kicked off. “Growing up, having a worse situation than most kids in this area, it’s a blessing to be able to give back.”
And he meant it. As kids lit up at the sight of two towering basketball players, Lendeborg was all smiles - chatting, joking, and posing for photos.
For the kids, it was a chance to meet a rising college basketball star. For Lendeborg, it was a reminder of where he came from and how far he’s come.
The gesture goes beyond just goodwill. In the NIL era, where college athletes can finally profit from their name, image, and likeness, Lendeborg is choosing to reinvest some of that into his community. He said this was something he’d been planning since he first got settled at Michigan.
“I’m still trying to do a giveback in my hometown, too - still working out details on that - but I am excited to give back here, too,” he added.
Lendeborg’s connection to the kids is personal. When asked about his favorite Christmas gift growing up, he smiled and recalled a PlayStation he got when he was seven - a gift that sparked a lifelong love of gaming.
Back then, WWE was his game of choice. These days, it’s mostly NBA2K.
“It started a long, long journey of addiction with the gaming,” he said with a laugh.
Of course, the NBA isn’t just a video game fantasy for Lendeborg - it’s a very real possibility. Since arriving in Ann Arbor, he’s steadily climbed up draft boards, and his name now appears in the first round of recent mock drafts. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projected him going 18th overall to the Golden State Warriors - a testament to the impact he’s had on both ends of the floor.
And it’s not hard to see why. Michigan is 10-0, ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll and No. 1 in several advanced metrics.
Lendeborg has been a driving force behind a defense that’s on pace to be historically elite, while also growing more confident and versatile offensively. He’s no longer just “the guy” - he’s learning to thrive in a system filled with talent.
“It definitely does feel weird, it’s something I’m not used to at all,” Lendeborg said of the national attention. “It’s definitely going to take a lot of getting used to, but like anything else it’s a blessing. I hope we continue moving up and continue to get wins.”
That humility - paired with his growing confidence - is part of what makes Lendeborg such a compelling figure. He understands the spotlight is growing, but he’s not letting it distract from the bigger picture. For him, it’s about team success first, and personal growth second.
“Being able to play with a bunch of more talented players now and not having to be ‘the man,’ I guess you could say I could play different roles when I’ve needed to,” he said.
As Michigan turns its focus to the Big Ten schedule and looks to close 2025 on a high note, Lendeborg reflected on what’s ahead. He called this Wolverines team “absolutely” the best he’s ever been a part of - and he’s not just talking about talent. The chemistry, the culture, the shared goals - it’s all clicking.
And with a new year around the corner, Lendeborg has a simple resolution for himself and the team: stay the course.
“Continue winning, hopefully no one comes back [from winter break] a different person, we all stay the same and continue to put the team first,” he said.
On the court, Lendeborg is helping Michigan chase history. Off the court, he’s making a difference in ways that go far beyond the box score. And in both arenas, he’s showing exactly why he’s one of the most exciting names in college basketball right now.