The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Yaxel Lendeborg Named to Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Watch List
10/31/2024 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB men's basketball forward Yaxel Lendeborg was named to the 2025 Karl Malone Award Watch List on Thursday morning by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lendeborg is one of 20 players named to the watch list and the first Blazer to earn a spot on the preseason list since William Lee prior to the 2017-18 season. Jordan Walker was the last Blazer to be named to a Naismith Starting 5 preseason watch list, earning a spot on the Bob Cousy Award Watch List ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The senior from Pennsauken, N.J. averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season, earning American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and All-Conference first team recognition.
He finished the season with 370 rebounds, the most in UAB and American Conference history for a single season while also setting a program record with 19 double-doubles.
During the 2023-24 season, he had five games with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds, the second most in the nation, trailing only National Player of the Year Zach Edey. He is one of only seven players that are returning this season after averaging a double-double last year.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone, McClain, and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards are composed of top men's and women's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will host the reigning America East Champion Vermont on Monday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena for the season opener.
PURCHASE YOUR 2024-25 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2024-25 UAB men's basketball season are still available starting as low as $110. Season packages will feature all home games during UAB's second season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games in Bartow Arena. An overview of the sales timeline can be found here, and fans may request more information here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's home events at Bartow Arena this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available at any home basketball game on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.
Group ticket packages provide your family, friends, or company the opportunity to save money on the single game ticket price while providing access to memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are available for both men's and women's basketball games and pricing is based on the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics is offering unique fan experiences for groups including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, group photo at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a complete listing of the group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2024 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Lendeborg is one of 20 players named to the watch list and the first Blazer to earn a spot on the preseason list since William Lee prior to the 2017-18 season. Jordan Walker was the last Blazer to be named to a Naismith Starting 5 preseason watch list, earning a spot on the Bob Cousy Award Watch List ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The senior from Pennsauken, N.J. averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season, earning American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors and All-Conference first team recognition.
He finished the season with 370 rebounds, the most in UAB and American Conference history for a single season while also setting a program record with 19 double-doubles.
During the 2023-24 season, he had five games with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds, the second most in the nation, trailing only National Player of the Year Zach Edey. He is one of only seven players that are returning this season after averaging a double-double last year.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone, McClain, and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards are composed of top men's and women's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
| 2025 Karl Malone Award Candidates | |
| Grant Nelson | Alabama |
| Trey Townsend | Arizona |
| Johni Broome | Auburn |
| Norchad Omier | Baylor |
| Ian Schieffelin | Clemson |
| Graham Ike | Gonzaga |
| J'Wan Roberts | Houston |
| Will Riley | Illinois |
| Malik Reneau | Indiana |
| Coleman Hawkins | Kansas State |
| Julian Reese | Maryland |
| Cade Tyson | North Carolina |
| Caden Pierce | Princeton |
| Bryce Hopkins | Providence |
| JT Toppin | Texas Tech |
| Donnie Freeman | Syracuse |
| Yaxel Lendeborg | UAB |
| Alex Karaban | UConn |
| Eric Dixon | Villanova |
| Great Osobor | Washington |
UP NEXT
The Blazers will host the reigning America East Champion Vermont on Monday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT at Bartow Arena for the season opener.
PURCHASE YOUR 2024-25 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2024-25 UAB men's basketball season are still available starting as low as $110. Season packages will feature all home games during UAB's second season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games in Bartow Arena. An overview of the sales timeline can be found here, and fans may request more information here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individual and corporate groups can plan an unforgettable experience during any of UAB's home events at Bartow Arena this season by filling out the UAB Basketball Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available at any home basketball game on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.
Group ticket packages provide your family, friends, or company the opportunity to save money on the single game ticket price while providing access to memorable fan experiences at Bartow Arena. Discounted group rates are available for both men's and women's basketball games and pricing is based on the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics is offering unique fan experiences for groups including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, group photo at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a complete listing of the group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2024 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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