Jaksel Lendeborg’s Journey to the Final Four
INDIANAPOLIS — Jaksel Lendeborg has come to terms with his past. College, he thought, wasn’t for him.
“I worked in a warehouse,” shared the standout forward from Michigan. “I got used to that life, but this is what I’m going to pursue now. I didn’t really have other goals or dreams,” he reflected.
However, his mother, Issel Raposo, had different ideas. She insisted he attend junior college.
Now, six years later, this 6-foot-9 senior from Pennsauken, N.J., is about to compete in the Final Four.
Soon, Lendeborg may become an NBA draft prospect, and there’s a chance he might even get picked in the lottery.
It’s been quite the rollercoaster.
He spent three years at Arizona Western College, followed by two years at UAB, and now he’s at the University of Michigan. Reflecting on his high school years, Lendeborg admitted he “coasted through all four years.”
“Back in JUCO, I really lacked confidence,” he remembers. “I didn’t want to be there and felt like I was wasting my time. It felt like a dream at times. I faced a lot, and it was mentally exhausting. There were so many moments when I thought about giving up.”
Raposo remained steadfast in her support. At Arizona Western, Lendeborg transformed into a notable junior college player. Initially, he committed to St. John’s under former coach Mike Anderson, but when Anderson was let go, he switched gears and went to UAB. There, he became one of the top mid-major players in the nation. After an impressive sophomore season—averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks—Lendeborg entered the transfer portal while also declaring for the NBA Draft.
He was likely looking at a late first-round selection, but he felt he wasn’t quite ready to leap into the pros. Plus, he really wanted a shot at playing for the Wolverines.
He felt a strong connection with Michigan’s coach, Dusty Maye. Maye invested much time in building a rapport with Lendeborg, though it was unsure if he could actually coach him.
“He supported me throughout the entire journey,” said Lendeborg. “That really mattered to me.”
He never envisioned a season like this one. Lendeborg has led the University of Michigan to a remarkable 35-3 record. He has been honored as an Associated Press first-team All-American and named Big Ten Player of the Year. Just last weekend, he was recognized as the Midwest Region Player of the Year.
“Everything has been going great,” Lendeborg expressed, averaging 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc in the NCAA Tournament. “Two more wins would make it all perfect.”
