Yaxel Lendeborg says it ‘hurt’ when Alabama didn’t recruit him out of the transfer portal
By Mark Kern
Published:
Yaxel Lendeborg put together two spectacular seasons at UAB, as he averaged a double-double during his first two years in college. This past off-season, he was a highly sought out player in the transfer portal, before ultimately deciding to play at Michigan.
Even though he played his college basketball in the state of Alabama, the Crimson Tide weren’t interested in bringing in Lendeborg.
Just over 24 hours away from a tipoff against the Crimson Tide in a Sweet Sixteen game, Lendeborg recalled how he was surprised that Alabama didn’t recruit him.
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“Yeah, once I entered the transfer portal out of UAB, I was hoping to get recruited by Alabama,” Lendborg told reporters. “And when I didn’t, it kind of hurt me a little bit. Not in a way with I can say I hate them and all that. It’s just it bothered me a little bit.”
Lendeborg has been a perfect fit for the Wolverines this year, as he leads one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the country with 14.7 points. He has developed with his perimeter shooting, as he is shooting 36.1% on 3-pointers this year. He made only 37 in his first two years at UAB, but has already made 57 for the Wolverines this year.
With the transfer portal and the NIL, there are all kinds of stories like Lendeborg during the NCAA Tournament.
Both Michigan and Alabama have to be happy with how the season has gone thus far, as they are both in the Sweet Sixteen. However, if Lendeborg is able to have a big game on Friday night and help the Wolverines advance to the Elite Eight, there may be many Alabama fans hurt just like he was.
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