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Lendeborg felt 'hurt' by Alabama's portal snub
27 Mar
Summary
- Yaxel Lendeborg felt snubbed by Alabama's lack of portal contact.
- Lendeborg has 'extra juice' facing Alabama in the NCAA Tournament.
- He averaged 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for Michigan.

Alabama is set to face Michigan's star player, Yaxel Lendeborg, in the Sweet 16. Lendeborg, a former UAB standout, shared that he felt "hurt" when Alabama did not actively recruit him out of the transfer portal. Despite this personal motivation, he stated there is "no bad blood," but he anticipates playing with "extra juice" against the Crimson Tide. Lendeborg has been instrumental for Michigan, averaging 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His impressive performance includes being a consensus First Team All-American. The 6-foot-9 forward's athleticism and improved three-point shooting make him a difficult matchup for Alabama's frontcourt. Alabama coach Nate Oats acknowledged they had inquired about Lendeborg but deemed him outside their market. Michigan coach Dusty May confirmed Alabama's interest, supporting Lendeborg's motivation for the game.