Sports

Michigan Superstar Defied Agent To Play Meaningless Minutes In Final Four Blowout

#Michigan Wolverines
by
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan Wolverines

© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


Yaxel Lendeborg was injured in Michigan’s Final Four win over Arizona. That setback did not keep him off the court for long.

The veteran forward re-entered the contest after rolling his ankle. He refused to be benched, defying his mom and agent in the process.

Lendeborg put the team above his pro future. He chose to play rather than protect his NBA opportunities.

Yaxel Lendeborg was injured vs. Arizona.

He went down while driving to the basket for a dunk in the first half. Lendeborg stepped on a Wildcat’s foot after entering the paint.

He did exit the game. It looked bad. He would not allow it to keep him on the sidelines.

The forward re-entered the matchup, logging 14 minutes and scoring 11 points. Lendeborg buried each of his three three-point attempts.

Lendeborg’s return was a positive for the Wolverines, as were the results of his MRI.

Michigan trainer Chris Williams told ESPN that the knee looked “very clean structurally,” and that “all the ligaments are very strong.” The injury has been classified as a low-grade MCL sprain.

While the Wolverines were happy to re-insert Lendeborg into the lineup, he wasn’t needed in the win. Michigan led by 16 at halftime, and as many as 30 during the second half.

Lendeborg could’ve easily sat on the bench for the blowout. In fact, he was advised to. No one would’ve blamed him. Instead, he chose to lay it on the line.

Lendeborg defied his agent.

“I wanted to show that I’m not going to give up on (my teammates),” he said in an interview with CBS Sports. “I know they have my back regardless, but I wanted to be out there with those guys.

“Even if I don’t feel good this game, I could try to get a feel for the gym, get a feel for the rims, and try to make if feel a little better for Monday.

“I was talking to my agent and trying to get back out there. He kept telling me no. My mom said no. But I’m gonna get out there no matter what.”

Yaxel Lendeborg did not need to return to the game. The Wolverines were in complete control. His presence was meaningless as it relates to the final outcome.

It was meaningful, however, to Lendeborg. He demonstrated leadership and team-first attitude. He also displayed his basketball IQ.

The forward has not played in Lucas Oil Stadium, the venue for the Final Four and national championship matchups. He wanted to get a feel for the gym.

Playing in football stadiums often present issues with depth perception. Lendeborg wanted to be comfortable for the title bout vs. UCONN.

He says the ability to return also helped him gain confidence. He knows he can play despite the scary setback. His knee will hold up.

Money was not on Lendeborg’s mind during the Final Four. His NBA career was not the first thought. Michigan’s championship pursuit is the top priority. Lendeborg refuses to be denied the opportunity to play.