The Michigan Wolverines had a strong run to the Sweet 16 in March Madness 2025, and are now grabbing headlines with their impressive transfer portal class. Although they lost guard Tre Donaldson to Miami, head coach Dusty May has added some of college basketball’s best talent. On Saturday, Michigan secured the signature of the top player in the portal, an athletic forward from UAB who has NBA potential written all over him.
Michigan Wolverines Add #1 Transfer Player – UAB Forward Yaxel Lendeborg
The Michigan Wolverines had one of the more talented rosters in college basketball in 2024-25. Although they will lose big man Vlad Goldin, who is out of eligibility, and have also lost guard Tre Donaldson, who is heading to South Beach to become a new Miami Hurricane, head coach Dusty May has added the #1 player in the portal to his roster.
Yaxel Lenbeborg is the latest Michigan Wolverine. Last season at UAB, Lendeborg averaged 17.4 points per game, 11.4 rebounds, and almost 2 steals and 2 blocks. A do-it-all guy on both ends, Lendeborg has the size (6-foot-9), athleticism, and skill to be a versatile NBA player. He is a picture-perfect prospect in terms of frame and skill. While not quite the best shooter yet (barely over 35% on the year from deep), Lendeborg will hope to address this as well as his other major knock – a lack of top-tier competition – next year in the Big Ten.
Lendeborg cited May’s ability to turn big man Danny Wolf into a bona-fide NBA Draft pick in his one year with the maize and blue. He spoke about his excitement to be a part of the program right after his decision.
“It’s amazing what Dusty May did with Danny Wolf. I would watch his games this season and say, ‘Man, I wish that was me.’ I’m trying to bring the same type of versatility he brought to Michigan.”
Lendeborg is a different player from Wolf, but has similar versatility and ability to handle the ball and do a lot for the team. It is possible that Wolf comes back to Michigan next year, as he has one year of eligibility left, but many expect Wolf to enter the NBA Draft. Nonetheless, Michigan is getting a tremendous player in Lendeborg.
Yaxel Lendeborg Headlines Michigan’s Terrific Transfer Class
Lendeborg is not the only talent Michigan has added this offseason. Former North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Elliot Cadeau is on his way to Ann Arbor as well. Cadeau has been a decent player for Carolina, and although he hasn’t quite lived up to the massive expectations placed upon him when entering the program, he still has the talent to become a top player. Cadeau is hoping a fresh start will bring forth his potential.
Cadeau’s mother is just as excited for the move, posting a message to Facebook after the news broke.
I’m proud of him making a choice he felt he had to do to get to where he wants to be. It was not easy – because we never had in our plans to transfer but he felt this was what was needed… We are now so excited for the summer, the work, and the upcoming season… Michigan, we can’t wait to meet you!!! GO BLUE!!!
Additionally, Michigan poached big man Morez Johnson Jr. from inter-conference foe Illinois. Johnson was one of the top freshman in last year’s class coming into college, and although he struggled for playing time and was not as productive as he would have hoped, he will have the chance to be a focal point of a new-look Michigan team that has a void to fill down low due to the departure of Goldin.
Michigan has added three tremendous players, and will likely be one of the favorites to win the Big Ten next year. Wolverines fans will be eager and optimistic about their chances to defend their title due to the sheer talent coming in with this transfer portal class.
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