Yaxel Lendeborg was behind the wheel when he heard the news. Dusty May, his college coach at Michigan, was jumping to the NBA to run the Dallas Mavericks. Lendeborg’s reaction was immediate and loud.
“Man, I was shocked. I was driving at the time, and I’m just like, I think I screamed right away like, ‘No way. What happened,’ you know?” Lendeborg told Zach Gelb of Compass Media. “But, you know, he’s a great coach. He’s going to be a Hall of Fame coach anywhere he goes. I definitely believe that. So I’m excited for him, you know? Definitely was shocked. Could have fell to my knees if I wasn’t driving, but it was definitely shocking.”
Lendeborg is now a Golden State Warriors wing after getting picked in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. May, meanwhile, spent just two seasons in Ann Arbor before the Mavericks came calling. That quick rise surprised a lot of people, including the guy who played for him.
A Little Friendly Beef With His Old Coach
Lendeborg also took a playful shot at May for passing on him at pick No. 9. Dallas used that selection on another Michigan product, Morez Johnson Jr. Lendeborg made it clear he noticed.
“I’m definitely mad at Dusty right now because, you know, we know who his favorite is now, you know?” Lendeborg said. But he quickly added that he’s happy for Johnson. “I’m super happy for Morez. He definitely deserves it and he’s going to be a great pro for sure.”
Johnson and Lendeborg aren’t the only Wolverines from that draft class who landed in the first round. Aday Mara also heard his name called, going to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The funny thing is Lendeborg and May won’t have to wait long to see each other again. They’re both in the Western Conference now, so there will be plenty of chances for a handshake, a glare, or maybe another joke about that draft night snub.
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