Yaxel Lendeborg, a name Memphis basketball has become very familiar with in recent seasons, entered the transfer portal Monday.
The UAB star and nearly automatic double-double also declared for the NBA Draft, but that did not stop Tigers coach Penny Hardaway from reportedly throwing his hat in the ring in case Lendeborg decides to play one more season at the collegiate level.
Memphis was among nine programs to initially reach out to the 6-9 power forward, according to On3's Joe Tipton. Lendeborg has also heard from Arkansas, Kentucky, BYU, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and Georgetown, Tipton reported Monday afternoon.
Lendeborg − a first-team All-AAC selection and the league's Defensive Player of the Year − averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game this season. He also led the Blazers in steals per game.
The Tigers faced off against the Blazers and their star stat-stuffer three times this season and twice in 2023-24. But Lendeborg has been on Hardaway's radar for some time. Memphis offered the former junior college All-American in 2022, before his sophomore season at Arizona Western College.
Lendeborg ultimately chose UAB. Then, he chose to stay at UAB last offseason despite speculation he was considering a transfer to Memphis.
In his three games versus the Tigers this season (all UAB losses, including the AAC tournament championship game), Lendeborg averaged 15.7 points and 11 rebounds. He also found himself caught up in a somewhat contentious back-and-forth with Memphis big man Dain Dainja, which began on the court and spilled over off the court.
Players have until June 15 to withdraw from draft consideration while still maintaining their collegiate eligibility.
Hardaway and the Tigers are facing another substantial roster rebuild. Five players on the 2024-25 roster are currently out of collegiate eligibility, while three others have already entered the transfer portal.
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