Several weeks ago, when power forward Yaxel Lendeborg withdrew his name from the NBA Draft and instead transferred to Michigan, one of the many reasons for his decision was Danny Wolf. Specifically, how Michigan coach Dusty May played Wolf throughout the Wolverines’ successful 2024-25 season.
“It’s amazing what Dusty May did with Danny Wolf,” Lendeborg told ESPN shortly after his decision. “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.”
Wolf, who saw his name shoot up draft boards as the college season progressed, elected to forgo his remaining eligibility and was drafted with the 27th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets. Lendeborg, who was consistently mocked to be picked late in the first round, decided that an additional year of college makes the most sense. Now, the latter will look to the former as a template for how he can contribute to Michigan on a roster loaded with talent and experience.
Lendeborg isn’t as big as Wolf, and he doesn’t garner the same level of intrigue that Wolf did due to the ball-handling skills at his size. But at 6-foot-9 and bearing a formidable handle and playmaking ability, Lendeborg can bolster the Wolverines’ frontcourt in a similar way that Wolf did.
“They’re very, very similar in a lot of ways,” May said Sunday during the first media availability of the preseason. “… You could see Yaxel as playing the perimeter position, he can handle it under pressure. He can handle smaller guys on him with bigger guys on him (as well), and he’s a playmaker. So in that regard, he’s a lot like Danny.”
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