The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Ken Shepherd
Lendeborg Named to Karl Malone Award Midseason Top 10 List
2/6/2025 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB men's basketball forward Yaxel Lendeborg was named to the Karl Malone Award Midseason Top 10 list on Thursday afternoon the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced. The Karl Malone Award is given to the top power forward in college basketball.
Lendeborg is averaging 17.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game this season, leading the Blazers in each category. He is one of two players nationally to lead their team in all five categories.
While leading the Blazers to a 15-8 record and an 8-2 mark in conference play, Lendeborg has posted 15 double-doubles and scored over 20 points in 10 games this season. During conference play, the senior forward has upped his game, averaging 18.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
He has earned American Conference Player of the Week twice this season, most recently after averaging 25.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.0 blocks per game in wins over Tulsa and Charlotte. Against the Golden Hurricane, Lendeborg scored a career high 28 points.
Previous winners of the Karl Malone Award are Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State (2024), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana (2023), Keegan Murray, Iowa (2022), Drew Timme, Gonzaga (2021), Obi Toppin, Dayton (2020), Zion Williamson, Duke (2019), Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018), Johnathan Motley, Baylor (2017), Georges Niang, Iowa State (2016), and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (2015).
In March, the Top 10 list will be narrowed to just five, and in late 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.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in both of the remaining rounds starting on Friday, February 7, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will return to action on Tuesday, February 11 at East Carolina. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPNU. UAB's next home game will be the Bartow Classic on Sunday, February 16 against South Florida. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.
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.
BLAZER BOOSTERS
Blazer Nation, thank you for your continued generosity in providing the best experience for Blazer student-athletes as they strive to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference in the Birmingham community. Each gift received plays a significant role in the growth of UAB Athletics. As we launch the 2025 giving year, go to Blazerboosters.com to explore more opportunities to impact Blazer student-athletes or to start your 2025 support.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Lendeborg is averaging 17.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game this season, leading the Blazers in each category. He is one of two players nationally to lead their team in all five categories.
While leading the Blazers to a 15-8 record and an 8-2 mark in conference play, Lendeborg has posted 15 double-doubles and scored over 20 points in 10 games this season. During conference play, the senior forward has upped his game, averaging 18.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
He has earned American Conference Player of the Week twice this season, most recently after averaging 25.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.0 blocks per game in wins over Tulsa and Charlotte. Against the Golden Hurricane, Lendeborg scored a career high 28 points.
Previous winners of the Karl Malone Award are Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State (2024), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana (2023), Keegan Murray, Iowa (2022), Drew Timme, Gonzaga (2021), Obi Toppin, Dayton (2020), Zion Williamson, Duke (2019), Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018), Johnathan Motley, Baylor (2017), Georges Niang, Iowa State (2016), and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (2015).
In March, the Top 10 list will be narrowed to just five, and in late 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.
Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in both of the remaining rounds starting on Friday, February 7, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.
| 2025 Karl Malone Award Candidates* | |
| Johni Broome | Auburn |
| Norchad Omier | Baylor |
| Tyson Degenhart | Boise State |
| Graham Ike | Gonzaga |
| Danny Wolf | Michigan |
| Michael Rataj | Oregon State |
| JT Toppin | Texas Tech |
| Yaxel Lendeborg | UAB |
| Alex Karaban | UConn |
| Eric Dixon | Villanova |
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.
UP NEXT
The Blazers will return to action on Tuesday, February 11 at East Carolina. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPNU. UAB's next home game will be the Bartow Classic on Sunday, February 16 against South Florida. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.
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.
BLAZER BOOSTERS
Blazer Nation, thank you for your continued generosity in providing the best experience for Blazer student-athletes as they strive to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors and Make a Difference in the Birmingham community. Each gift received plays a significant role in the growth of UAB Athletics. As we launch the 2025 giving year, go to Blazerboosters.com to explore more opportunities to impact Blazer student-athletes or to start your 2025 support.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
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