Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg sends strong message to Dusty May ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft

Tuesday night could be one to remember for Yaxel Lendeborg with the NBA Draft taking place. The Michigan product made sure to send a message to Dusty May before the draft begins. This comes just a day after May’s decision to leave Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Mar 19, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks to forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) before a substitution against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Big-time news broke on Monday morning out of Ann Arbor that Dusty May would be leaving the Michigan Wolverines for a jump to the NBA. 

It was a sudden and unexpected move by the now former Wolverines head coach to jump ship for the NBA and a head coaching job with the Dallas Mavericks. May leaves Michigan on top as a national champion after two very successful years in charge. 

May’s work in the transfer portal over a year ago when Michigan landed Yaxel Lendeborg for its roster was a huge part of the success they had. Now, the former Michigan star has a message for May. 

Yaxel Lendeborg clearly wants to keep being coached by Dusty May

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will take place on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, New York where Lendeborg is expected to hear his name called. Ahead of the draft, the former Wolverine has made it clear where he wants to go, as well as how he feels about May’s departure. 

“I’m very happy for him. I’ll be way happier for him if he suddenly takes me at nine. So, he should draft me … draft me please,” Lendeborg said laughing. 

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game in 40 games at Michigan during the 2025-2026 season. After back-to-back seasons averaging a double-double at UAB, Lendeborg was a huge get out of the portal for May and the Wolverines. They simply don’t win a title without him. 

Dallas will be drafting No. 9 overall, as Lendeborg mentioned. That spot may be a bit rich for Lendeborg, who is projected to go No. 14 to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s latest mock draft. Lendeborg is a three-level scorer who is one of the best forwards this draft has to offer. Being just a few months away from turning 24 years old isn’t on Lendeborg’s side. 

Michigan basketball fans very well could be seeing the focal point of its national championship team become a lottery pick tonight. If it’s to the Mavericks at No. 9, it’d be a special outcome for both Lendeborg and May. Again, it looks unlikely now, but anything can happen once the picks start being made. 

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