Lendeborg's Tourney Heroics Catch NBA Scouts' Eyes

Yaxel Lendeborg has been a force for the UAB Blazers all season long, but his performance in the Conference USA championship game really put NBA scouts on notice. The 6'9" junior forward from New Jersey dominated the glass, pulling down 16 rebounds to go along with 14 points and 4 assists in the Blazers’ 85-69 rout of Temple.

Lendeborg’s rebounding prowess has been his calling card. He was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year after averaging a double-double with 14.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But it’s not just hitting the glass - the 230-pounder uses his strength and motor to make an impact on both ends.

“He’s a warrior out there,” said UAB head coach Brandon Miller. “Yaxel just has a nose for the ball and will do whatever it takes to get positioning and go get it. He overshadows guys with his effort and tenacity.”

That hard-nosed style of play is exactly what NBA teams covet, especially from a role player prospect like Lendeborg. While he may not have elite size for a modern NBA big, his combination of length, strength, rebounding, and defense could make him an ideal fit as a small-ball center or power forward in today’s positionless game.

NBA scouts have certainly taken notice of Lendeborg’s production and intangibles this season. He was named to the All-Conference USA first team and took home tournament MVP honors after the title game performance. Many now project him as a potential second-round pick in the upcoming draft.

“Yaxel can flat-out play,” said one Eastern Conference scout in attendance. “He’s got great hands, understands positioning, and just has a knack for making winning plays. Guys like that tend to carve out roles at the next level.”

Lendeborg and the 12-seed Blazers now have a chance to showcase that competitive spirit on the big stage of the NCAA Tournament. They’ll take on 5-seed San Diego State in the first round, a remarkable accomplishment for a UAB program that nearly got cut in 2014 before being reinstated.

No matter how far UAB advances, you can count on Lendeborg making his presence felt with his trademark grit and rebounding aptitude. And if he can string a few more performances like the conference title game together, he may just play his way into an NBA roster spot next season.