The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Lendeborg Named to Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List
11/7/2024 2:34:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – The Los Angeles Athletic Club announced the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List on Thursday afternoon and UAB senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg was named as one of the 50 players.
Lendeborg is the first Blazer to appear on the Wooden Award Watch List since Jordan Walker was recognized prior to the 2022-23 season. Walker was also eventually named to the Midseason Top 25 List.
The Preseason American Conference Player of the Year averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season, leading the Blazers to an American Conference Tournament title while earning Tournament MVP honors.
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. Lendeborg earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors after blocking 72 shots on the year, the seventh most in Blazer history.
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.
In conference play, Lendeborg only increased his numbers. During the Blazers' 18 American Conference games, he averaged 16.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per contest while shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc and 83.9 percent from the free throw line. In a matchup against No. 20 Florida Atlantic, Lendeborg grabbed 21 boards, the second most by a UAB player in a single game.
Lendeborg came to UAB after beginning his collegiate career at Arizona Western where he was a two-time NJCAA All-American. He led all of NJCAA Division I in rebounding during the 2022-23 season.
Prior to becoming a JUCO All-American, Lendeborg played only 12 games of high school basketball at Pennsauken High School in New Jersey.
In his 2024-25 season debut, Lendeborg had 22 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks against Vermont.
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 the first Blazer to appear on the Wooden Award Watch List since Jordan Walker was recognized prior to the 2022-23 season. Walker was also eventually named to the Midseason Top 25 List.
The Preseason American Conference Player of the Year averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season, leading the Blazers to an American Conference Tournament title while earning Tournament MVP honors.
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. Lendeborg earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors after blocking 72 shots on the year, the seventh most in Blazer history.
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.
In conference play, Lendeborg only increased his numbers. During the Blazers' 18 American Conference games, he averaged 16.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per contest while shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc and 83.9 percent from the free throw line. In a matchup against No. 20 Florida Atlantic, Lendeborg grabbed 21 boards, the second most by a UAB player in a single game.
Lendeborg came to UAB after beginning his collegiate career at Arizona Western where he was a two-time NJCAA All-American. He led all of NJCAA Division I in rebounding during the 2022-23 season.
Prior to becoming a JUCO All-American, Lendeborg played only 12 games of high school basketball at Pennsauken High School in New Jersey.
In his 2024-25 season debut, Lendeborg had 22 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks against Vermont.
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.
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