Yaxel Lendeborg, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, has decided to withdraw his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to college at the University of Michigan. The decision was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing Lendeborg’s desire for continued development as a player and person.
Lendeborg had been projected to be a late first-round pick with the Suns holding the No. 29 overall pick. He had a strong season at UAB last year, averaging 17.7 points while shooting 36% from 3-point range, and was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-AAC for the second-straight season.
The decision marks a change in Lendeborg’s plans, which were previously seen as a promising path to the NBA. However, he has now chosen to prioritize his growth at Michigan, putting him out of reach for the Suns and other teams that had him in their draft prospect lists.
Source: https://www.si.com/nba/suns/news/projected-phoenix-suns-nba-draft-pick-returning-college