The Kentucky Wildcats are moving quickly in their pursuit of one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg has become a key target for major programs, with Kentucky being among the earliest to make contact. As one of the standout players entering the portal this offseason, Lendeborg’s upcoming decision is poised to be a significant narrative in college basketball.
NEWS: Mark Pope and Kentucky had a meeting yesterday with UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg in Chicago, per @PolacheckKSR.
Averaged 17.1 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 BPG & 1.7 SPG. Regarded as the best player in the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/XXPByFntQv
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) April 1, 2025
From JUCO Star to Top Transfer Prospect
Lendeborg’s rise to prominence has been unique yet inspiring. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds, this forward from New Jersey was overlooked during his high school recruitment and had to prove himself at the junior college level. He excelled at Arizona Western, earning consecutive NJCAA All-American honors and two ACCAC Player of the Year awards. This success paved the way for his move to UAB, where he made an immediate impact at the Division I level.
In his first season with the Blazers, he had a strong showing, averaging 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. However, it was his performance in the 2024-25 season that truly made him a standout. Lendeborg started all 37 games and averaged an impressive 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game, shooting 52.2% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range.
His defensive skills earned him the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award for the second year in a row, and he led the nation with 26 double-doubles. Additionally, he set a UAB program record by grabbing 420 rebounds in a single season, further establishing himself as one of the premier big men in the nation.
UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg has heard from the following schools since entering the portal earlier today, per source:
Arkansas
Kentucky
BYU
Auburn
Michigan
Alabama
Ole Miss
Georgetown
Memphishttps://t.co/PBnHOGcSdT https://t.co/syr8ixGNjy pic.twitter.com/fhx8fusmrg— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 31, 2025
Kentucky Faces Tough Competition
Lendeborg’s name has caught the attention of several top college basketball programs. According to Joe Tipton from On3, Kentucky is among a number of teams competing for his commitment, alongside Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, BYU, Ole Miss, Georgetown, and Memphis. Given his size, versatility, and impact on both ends of the court, it’s clear why so many major programs are interested in him.
Another factor to consider is that Lendeborg is exploring the NBA Draft process. ESPN currently projects him as a second-round pick, but a strong performance in workouts and interviews could elevate him into the first round. If that occurs, college teams might find themselves taking a back seat to pro opportunities.
UAB star Yaxel Lendeborg is entering the transfer portal and declaring for the NBA Draft, per @TiptonEdits.
Yaxel averaged 17.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 BPG, and 1.7 SPG.
One of the best all-around players in the country. pic.twitter.com/kxXQdt8ECC
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 31, 2025
Can the Wildcats Close the Deal?
Kentucky has several advantages working in its favor. With new head coach Mark Pope at the helm, the Wildcats have an exciting system that could help Lendeborg enhance his skills. Moreover, Kentucky’s NIL opportunities could play a crucial role in a highly competitive recruitment landscape.
However, with numerous elite programs involved and the NBA being a viable option, Kentucky faces a challenging road ahead. Lendeborg is in control of the situation, and his decision will likely hinge on where he perceives the best long-term fit.
Will the Wildcats succeed in enticing him to join them in Lexington, or will another program (or the NBA) attract him instead? The next few weeks will reveal the outcome.
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