Yaxel Lendeborg: Return to Form Key for Michigan Wolverines
Ann Arbor – For the Michigan Wolverines to reach their full potential, they need a fully healthy and impactful Yaxel Lendeborg. Recent reports suggest the forward is steadily regaining his form after battling a bruised left calf earlier this month. The team is eagerly anticipating his complete return to dominance.
Progress and Recovery
“The majority of the swelling in my leg went down,” Lendeborg shared after Tuesday’s impressive 86-72 victory over Indiana – a performance many considered his best since the injury. “I’ve been feeling a lot better. I would just say I can’t make any shots right now. That’s pretty much all. I don’t think that the leg is bothering me as much.”
Lendeborg estimates he’s currently at “like 90-95%,” with the primary discomfort occurring when making sharp turns and pushing off his left leg. He described the initial injury, sustained during the Jan. 2 game against USC, as a significant bruise. “It was bruised pretty badly. And then once the bruising started going away, then the swelling started coming in. I think it grew to like 2½ inches of swelling on my leg,” he explained. Intensive compression and icing treatments have been crucial in reducing the swelling, which now stands at approximately half an inch.
A Testament to Resilience
Despite the pain, Lendeborg never considered sitting out. This determination mirrors his earlier response to a hand injury, where he continued to play with a heavily wrapped hand. Coach Dusty May even discussed potentially benching him during the Penn State game to allow for further recovery, but Lendeborg insisted on playing. “I’ve never been a guy to sit out, regardless of how much pain is bringing me,” he stated.
Following medical clearance after the Penn State game, the decision ultimately rested with Lendeborg, who chose to push through the ailment. He admitted the Penn State game was particularly challenging, estimating he was only “60-70%.”
Statistical Impact and Recent Performance
The injury noticeably impacted Lendeborg’s statistics. Before the injury, he averaged 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, shooting with impressive efficiency (77.8% on 2-pointers and 40.4% on 3-pointers). In the five games since, those numbers dipped to 10.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, with shooting percentages falling to 46.4% and 19%, respectively.
However, recent signs indicate a return to form. His performance against Indiana was particularly encouraging, showcasing the player he was before the injury. He was a disruptive force on defense, hounding Indiana’s leading scorer, Lamar Wilkerson, and recording three steals and two blocks. Offensively, he contributed 15 points, including a spectacular alley-oop dunk.
Looking Ahead
“I feel like I draw a good amount of attention, especially when I’m actually being active and moving around trying to help my teammates out,” Lendeborg said. Coach May also noted Lendeborg’s improvement, particularly his “pop around the rim.” The Wolverines will undoubtedly need a fully recovered Yaxel Lendeborg to achieve their championship aspirations. You can find more information about the Michigan Wolverines at the official Michigan Athletics website.
