The Kentucky Wildcats are wasting no time in their pursuit of one of the hottest names in the transfer portal. UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as a prime target for high-major programs, with Kentucky among the first to reach out. As one of the most dominant players to hit the portal this offseason, Lendeborg’s next move is set to be a major storyline in college basketball.

From JUCO Standout to Elite Transfer Prospect

Lendeborg’s journey to prominence has been unconventional but inspiring. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward from New Jersey was overlooked as a high school recruit, forcing him to prove himself at the junior college level. He dominated the competition at Arizona Western, earning back-to-back NJCAA All-American honors and two ACCAC Player of the Year awards. That success propelled him to UAB, where he made an instant impact at the Division I level.

His first season with the Blazers was impressive, averaging 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. But it was his 2024-25 campaign that made him a star. Lendeborg started all 37 games, averaging a dominant 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 52.2% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.

His defensive prowess earned him American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second straight season, while his 26 double-doubles led the nation. He also set a UAB program record with 420 rebounds in a single season, further solidifying his status as one of the best big men in the country.

Kentucky Faces Fierce Competition

Lendeborg’s name has drawn interest from some of college basketball’s biggest powerhouses. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Kentucky is just one of several programs vying for his commitment, with Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, BYU, Ole Miss, Georgetown, and Memphis also making contact. With his size, versatility, and two-way impact, it’s easy to see why every major program wants him.

However, there’s another factor at play-Lendeborg is testing the NBA Draft process. ESPN currently projects him as a second-round pick, but a strong showing in workouts and interviews could push him into the first round. If that happens, college programs may have to take a backseat to the pros.

Will the Wildcats Seal the Deal?

Kentucky has plenty working in its favor. Under new head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats have an exciting system that could help Lendeborg elevate his game. Additionally, Kentucky’s NIL opportunities could be a game-changer in a highly competitive recruitment.

Yet, with so many top-tier programs in the mix-and the NBA as a serious option-this won’t be an easy battle for Kentucky to win. Lendeborg holds all the cards, and his decision will likely come down to where he sees the best long-term fit.

Will the Wildcats convince him to take his talents to Lexington, or will another program (or the NBA) lure him away? The coming weeks will provide the answer.