Former U-M star Yaxel Lendeborg on MSU: 'Little brother to me forever'

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Former Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg is going to face harder questions now that he is in the NBA.

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Like, what exactly would he endure to get his No. 23?

Lendeborg was drafted at No. 11 overall by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, June 23, joining future Hall of Famers in Stephen Curry and Draymond Green on a star-studded roster. There might be some initial friction between the Michigan man Lendeborg and the Michigan State graduate Green, however, and not just because of the rookie-veteran dynamic.

Green, who has spent all 14 NBA seasons with the Warriors, has worn the No. 23 since his rookie season in 2012-13. Lendeborg also wore No. 23 with the Wolverines last season, and so an intrepid reporter asked Lendeborg after he was drafted if he would consider some Spartan-related hazing from Green to get the number.

"What if Draymond says, 'You can have Number 23 if you rock Michigan State gear for the entire season?'" the reporter asked.

Lendeborg thought about his answer for a few seconds before shaking his head.

"Nah," he said. "I'm not doing that, man. I hate those guys."

Lendeborg was the Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team All American in his one season at Michigan in 2025-26, helping lead the Wolverines to their second-ever national championship in April. Lendeborg played especially well in two wins over the Spartans, putting up 26 points and 12 rebounds in an 83-71 win at Breslin Center on Jan. 30 and scoring 27 points in a 90-80 home win at Crisler Center on March 8.

"I went 2-0 against them this year, so they're going to be little brother to me forever and I'm not going to represent the losers, ever," he said.

Lendeborg was one of three Michigan big men to be selected among the first 12 draft picks, with Morez Johnson Jr. reuniting with former Michigan coach Dusty May as the No. 9 pick from the Dallas Mavericks and center Aday Mara selected at No. 12 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It was part of a historic day for Michigan basketball as the three became the first trio of U-M players to be selected in the top 15 of an NBA draft. Their selections highlight the complementary basketball that led to success with the Wolverines, something they will hope to take to the next step in the pros.

But as Lendeborg pointed out, there are some steps he won't be willing to take.

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You can reach Christian at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg calls MSU 'little brother to me forever'

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