Forward Yaxel Lendeborg was asked the million-dollar question Wednesday, one that to college basketball fans was inevitable.
Lendeborg has a big decision to make with under two weeks left to go: follow through with his pledge to the Big Ten champion Michigan Wolverines or take the financial leap and remain eligible for the NBA Draft.
The former UAB Blazers star isn't sure, nor was he willing to elaborate deeply at the NBA Combine in Chicago, Ill., when speaking to reporters, including CBS Sports and 247 Sports' Isaac Trotter.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 1-rated transfer, says he’s torn about whether to stay in the draft or head to Michigan.
— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) May 14, 2025
“I know I just said 60-40 with Michigan, but this whole process is opening my eyes.” pic.twitter.com/AydGQF22sC
“I know I just said 60-40 with Michigan, man, but this whole process is really opening my eyes,” Lendeborg said. “I feel like now I’m definitely equal. I’m super stuck — quicksand, whatever you want to call it. I’m stuck in between, for sure."
The uncertainty surrounding Lendeborg's decision is simple: he recognizes the financial incentives when examining both sides, but ultimately wants to play at the highest level, he said.
“This whole NBA thing has been insane," Lendeborg added. "I’m pretty even. I love Michigan. I love the idea of going over there and developing, but the NBA is just what everybody wants, so I’m dead in the middle now. It’s hard.”
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Lendeberg said he holds no ill will toward the Wolverines or the culture May is trying to build after becoming one of the league's biggest surprise teams. Ultimately, though, making the right move for his sole benefit remains top priority.
“I love Michigan,” Lendeborg said. “I was there for like three days, and I fell in love with it immediately. The fans have been very supportive of me, as well, texting me as much as they can, saying that they’re fine with me either way. That’s something I love.”
By making the transition to turn pro, Lendeborg said he wants to feel like he made the right decision. He is cautiously awaiting the May 28 deadline hoping a team takes a chance on him so he at least has a rough idea of respective options.
It's easier said than done, however.
“A team saying that they’ll take me for sure, so I can know. We’ll have those conversations in the background and making sure we’re all set.
“I hope it happens before May 28," Ledenberg. "Me and my agency are gonna talk as much as we can to try to get a promise from one team, just one team. That’s all we need. If it doesn’t happen by then, the decision’s gonna be really hard to make.”
Although it isn't a deal-breaker, Lendeborg said he would ideally like to play for a team willing to grant him a "guaranteed contract."
With options looming, it's up to Lendeborg to make a call.
Whether it's the right one is anyone's best guess.