As college basketball programs across the country prepare for the 2024–25 season, few schools are making as much noise in the transfer portal as the Alabama Crimson Tide. After an outstanding 2023–24 campaign that saw them become one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Alabama is looking to build on its success by adding key pieces for the upcoming season. One of the most significant developments is Alabama’s growing interest in power forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a standout transfer from the college basketball transfer portal. Lendeborg, a versatile forward with immense potential, could be the missing piece that elevates Alabama to new heights in the SEC and beyond.
The Transfer Portal Era: A New Recruiting Landscape
The transfer portal has revolutionized college basketball recruiting. No longer are teams solely relying on high school recruits to fill out their rosters—veteran players and established talents from other programs now make up a significant portion of many programs’ recruiting classes. The transfer portal has opened new doors for both players and coaches alike, allowing programs to address immediate needs and enhance their rosters with experienced talent. For Alabama, the addition of Yaxel Lendeborg could prove to be one of the best moves of the offseason.
In recent years, Alabama has been one of the most prominent programs in college basketball, largely due to their success in recruiting and developing talent. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide has become known for its up-tempo, high-pressure style of play, often relying on a balanced offensive and defensive game that is capable of competing with the best teams in the country. With Lendeborg’s potential to be a key contributor, Alabama is set to enhance its frontcourt and add another dynamic piece to an already talented roster.
Who is Yaxel Lendeborg?
Yaxel Lendeborg is a 6’8″, 220-pound power forward who made a name for himself in his previous college career as a physically imposing player with excellent versatility. Having started his college basketball career at a mid-major school, Lendeborg quickly emerged as a force on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him a key player for his previous program, and he quickly caught the attention of power conference schools looking to bolster their frontcourts.
Lendeborg’s game is built around his physicality and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He possesses a solid post-up game and is capable of finishing through contact around the rim. In addition to his scoring ability, Lendeborg has shown the potential to stretch the floor with an improving jump shot, which could make him an even more valuable asset in an offense like Alabama’s. His rebounding ability and defensive tenacity have also been praised, making him a valuable two-way player who can contribute to his team in several facets of the game.
During his time at his previous school, Lendeborg was a consistent double-digit scorer and a major contributor on the boards. He averaged 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, showcasing his all-around ability. His performance on both sides of the ball has made him a sought-after prospect in the transfer portal, and it is clear why Alabama has targeted him as a key player for the 2024–25 season.
Lendeborg’s Fit in Alabama’s System
One of the reasons Alabama is so interested in Yaxel Lendeborg is the fit between his skill set and the playing style that head coach Nate Oats has implemented at Alabama. Oats is known for running a fast-paced offense that prioritizes spacing, ball movement, and transition play. Alabama’s offense is built around creating mismatches, and Lendeborg’s ability to stretch the floor and operate both inside and out makes him an ideal fit.
Lendeborg’s ability to stretch the floor is particularly intriguing for Alabama, where versatility is key to the program’s offensive scheme. With his improving three-point shooting, Lendeborg could provide an added dimension to an already talented roster that includes several shooters and dynamic scorers. His ability to play both inside and out would make him an even more valuable weapon in Alabama’s offense, especially in pick-and-roll situations where he could either roll to the basket for a finish or pop out for an open three-pointer.
Defensively, Lendeborg’s physicality and ability to guard multiple positions would add an extra layer to Alabama’s already strong defense. Oats has emphasized defense as a core component of his program, and Lendeborg’s ability to guard both the post and the perimeter makes him an excellent fit for Alabama’s defensive schemes. His length and athleticism would allow him to match up against the opposing team’s best players, and his aggressive rebounding and shot-blocking ability would help Alabama control the boards and generate transition opportunities.
Given Alabama’s emphasis on speed, athleticism, and versatility, Lendeborg’s skill set would allow him to thrive in the Crimson Tide’s system. His presence on both sides of the ball would not only help Alabama improve its already potent offense but also give the team another physical presence on defense. This combination makes him an ideal addition to the Alabama roster for the 2024–25 season.
Alabama’s Competition for Lendeborg
While Alabama is making significant strides in its recruitment of Yaxel Lendeborg, the Crimson Tide are not the only school interested in the talented power forward. Lendeborg has attracted attention from several top programs across the country, and competition for his commitment is fierce.
Programs from major conferences, including the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12, have all expressed interest in Lendeborg, recognizing his potential to make an immediate impact at the highest level of college basketball. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him a highly coveted prospect, and many schools are actively pursuing him.
However, Alabama’s strong pitch and the team’s recent success under Nate Oats make them a serious contender in the recruitment race. Oats’ track record of developing players, especially those with a strong physical presence, has been a major selling point for Lendeborg. Additionally, Alabama’s rise as one of the top programs in the SEC, combined with the chance to compete for championships, is likely to be an appealing factor for the forward.
Furthermore, Alabama’s ability to offer Lendeborg a clear path to playing time and a leadership role could make the Crimson Tide an even more attractive option. Lendeborg has the opportunity to step into a prominent role and make an immediate impact on a team with NCAA Tournament aspirations, which could be a major factor in his decision-making process.
Lendeborg’s Impact on Alabama’s 2024–25 Season
If Yaxel Lendeborg commits to Alabama, his impact on the 2024–25 season would be significant. The addition of a player of his caliber would immediately strengthen the Crimson Tide’s frontcourt and provide an added dimension to their already impressive roster.
Lendeborg’s scoring and rebounding ability would help solidify Alabama’s presence in the paint, which is an area where the team has sometimes struggled in recent years. His physicality and skill set would provide Alabama with another weapon to complement their explosive backcourt and create a more balanced attack. Additionally, his defensive prowess would give Alabama the ability to match up with some of the best teams in the country and handle the physical demands of SEC play.
On the national stage, Lendeborg’s addition could elevate Alabama’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide have already established themselves as one of the top teams in the SEC, but Lendeborg’s presence could give them the edge they need to compete for national championships. With Lendeborg’s versatility and experience, Alabama would be even more dangerous in both conference play and the postseason.