Michigan will roll out its expected starting lineup in Monday night’s NCAA championship game against UConn, with Yaxel Lendeborg set to start despite recent injury concerns, per college basketball insider Adam Zagoria.
Lendeborg’s inclusion in the starting five comes after he suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee along with an ankle injury during the Wolverines’ Final Four win over Arizona. Despite the setback, Michigan’s lineup confirms the star forward is expected to take the floor in the title game.
The Wolverines’ starting five includes:
G Elliot Cadeau
G Nimari Burnett
C Aday Mara
F Morez Johnson Jr.
F Yaxel Lendeborg
Michigan enters the championship leaning on its core group, with Lendeborg remaining central to that identity.
Yaxel Lendeborg Injury Update Ahead of Championship Game
Lendeborg’s availability became a key storyline after he exited the first half of Michigan’s semifinal game following a collision near the basket.
He appeared to twist his ankle after stepping on an opposing player’s foot and later was diagnosed with a sprained MCL along with the ankle issue. Despite that, imaging results came back clean, and he has continued receiving treatment leading into the championship.
“I’m gonna play unless I can’t walk at all,” he said after Michigan blew out Arizona 91-73 in the Final Four.
Michigan coach Dusty May indicated the decision would ultimately come down to Lendeborg and the medical staff.
“I’m sure he’ll give it a go [Monday], but that’d be entirely up to him and the medical staff,” May said.
Lendeborg, who did not formally address reporters, was seen moving without a significant limp and described how he felt in one word: “great.”
Michigan Leans on Lendeborg’s Presence in Starting Lineup
Lendeborg’s role extends beyond simply being available — he is a key part of Michigan’s structure on both ends of the floor.
Even after sustaining the injury, he returned to start the second half against Arizona and played roughly nine minutes, knocking down two 3-pointers while helping stabilize the team’s lead.
Teammate Roddy Gayle Jr. praised Lendeborg’s recovery and mindset heading into the title game.
“He’s done a tremendous job,” Gayle said. “Nothing’s going to stop Yax from being available and being able to play on Monday.”
Michigan Maintains Lineup Continuity in Championship Matchup
Rather than adjusting its rotation, Michigan is maintaining lineup continuity heading into the championship.
Cadeau and Burnett anchor the backcourt, while Mara and Johnson provide size and interior presence. Lendeborg’s inclusion rounds out a lineup built on versatility and physicality.
That consistency has been a key factor in Michigan’s tournament run, allowing the Wolverines to control tempo and sustain leads — including their dominant semifinal performance.
Michigan held a lead of at least 20 points for much of the second half against Arizona, even as Lendeborg managed his injury.
Championship Stakes for Michigan Against UConn
Michigan now faces UConn with a national championship on the line, seeking its first title since 1989.
Lendeborg’s availability adds a crucial dimension to that pursuit, particularly given his ability to stretch the floor and contribute in multiple areas.
Coach May acknowledged that even a limited version of Lendeborg can impact the game.
“Whatever version of Yaxel we get, it’s going to be somebody that helps us play better basketball,” May said.
Michigan Confident in Core Group Entering Title Game
By keeping Lendeborg in the starting lineup, Michigan is signaling confidence in its core group heading into the highest-stakes game of the season.
While his condition will be closely monitored, his presence ensures the Wolverines enter the championship with one of their most important players available.
Michigan will now look to carry that continuity and depth into a matchup that will ultimately decide the national title.
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