Yaxel Lendeborg and the fourth NCAA championship for a Dominican

The Wolverines player placed Dominican basketball in a privileged place within the highest university level of the discipline.

Yaxel Lendeborgone of the players who took advantage of the “March Madness” to place his name in the eye of public attention, he achieved history with the triumph of the Michigan Wolverinesleading the team to its first championship in 37 years. However, the feat of Lendeborg He also put the Dominican Republic on high, after the power forward became only the fourth Dominican player to win the national title at the university level in the United States.

Before Lendeborgwho despite being born in Puerto Rico is of Dominican parents, fully identifies with the country and has even worn the national team uniform in minor categories, joined Charlie Villanuevachampion in 2004 with UConn Huskiesto Al Horforda key piece in the consecutive titles of Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007 already Eloy Vargasmember of the team Kentucky Wildcats champion in 2012.

Lendeborgunlike the previous three, was the main figure of the project that led the Wolverines to the championship.

During the season, the Dominican forward averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, with 51.5 percent shooting from the field, numbers that reflect his impact on the court.

It was one of the most consistent pieces of Michiganstanding out for the versatility he has presented, his rebounding ability, the ease with which he can score or carry the ball to create offense, as well as a high-level defense, elements that allowed him to assume multiple roles and earn the nickname of “Dominican LeBron”.

During the qualifiers last month, he was decisive on an offensive level to lead the team. Wolverines and despite playing affected by injuries in his last two games, his physical presence on the court and his defensive ability to pressure the opponents was fundamental in the aspirations of Michigan.

As the fourth Dominican to win a championship of the NCAA, Lendeborg has a great opportunity for NBA Draft. Of the three players who won the trophy, two were chosen in the first round of the rookie draft, and current projections have Lendeborg in the same position, with multiple experts suggesting that he will be chosen among the first 14 teams.