INDIANAPOLIS — The tension was palpable, emotions ran high, and the stakes couldn’t be greater. Michigan’s star forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, confidently declared he’d hit the court against UConn after a stunning 91-73 victory over Arizona, propelling the Wolverines into the National Championship game.
A recent MRI reassured everyone: Lendeborg’s ankle was just slightly sprained. Coach Dusty May stated, “He’s receiving treatment and doing rehabilitation today. I believe he’ll be ready to go tomorrow, although that will depend on him and the medical team.” He emphasized, “Whatever version of Yaxel we get will be someone who elevates our game.”
This showdown at the Final Four turned into one for the ages, overshadowing Lendeborg’s knee injury sustained with just over eight minutes left in the first half. The scene unfolded in the blue medical tent, where raw emotions met the weight of his ambitions.
“I started crying,” Lendeborg admitted. “I tried to maintain my composure, but all the hard work to reach this point overwhelmed me. I was elated to be here but worried about losing my shot at the championship. I took a moment for a prayer, and I’m feeling secure. I believe God is with me, and I’m set for Monday.”
As the teams hit the locker rooms at halftime, Lendeborg was absent, leaving his teammates tense. Will Tschetter, a senior forward, recalled the worrying silence as the medical staff ran tests and offered support.
“They were just telling me not to be scared,” Lendeborg said, reflecting on the anxiety he openly expressed. Tschetter noted their shared concern, saying, “We were all thinking, ‘What’s happening?’ But just before heading out, Lendeborg assured us, ‘I’ve got you guys; we will be fine.’”
Why did Lendeborg return?
After rigorous assessment, Michigan’s medical team gave the green light for Lendeborg to step back on the court. He began the second half with gusto, hitting two three-pointers right away. Yet, he vacated the floor again while Michigan built a substantial lead of up to 29 points. When star point guard Elliot Cadeau faced foul trouble, Lendeborg re-entered the game briefly, even with the Wolverines leading 81-61.
Coach May weighed the risk carefully. “Clearly, you all didn’t see the UConn-Duke game. The outcome felt inevitable as we faced Arizona, one of the top teams all season. We weren’t comfortable assuming the game was wrapped up.”
Is Lendeborg ready for UConn?
Lendeborg shared his thoughts on his recovery process. He felt stable while attempting standstill jumps but was concerned about making defensive slides due to the strain on his knee.
“We had a laugh; he played the second half like a skilled veteran at the YMCA,” May commented, referencing Lendeborg’s surprising ability on the court despite his struggles.
“If I play Monday,” Lendeborg caught himself, then clarified, “When I play Monday, my role will be as a corner three-point shooter. That’s where I’m at.”
It’s doubtful UConn’s Dan Hurley is taking him for granted.
