Overview
- Michigan’s trainer told ESPN an MRI found a low-grade MCL sprain and a small bone bruise, and staff are optimistic Yaxel Lendeborg will play in the national title game.
- Head coach Dusty May said the imaging looked clean and that Lendeborg will try to go with the final decision left to him and the medical staff.
- Lendeborg hurt his knee and ankle in the Final Four against Arizona, returned in a brace for limited minutes, hit multiple threes, and finished with three rebounds in 14 minutes.
- Analysts expect he will be below full strength, with Covers via Yahoo Sports pointing to an Under 6.5 rebounds prop due to likely reduced jumping and UConn’s slower tempo.
- The Big Ten Player of the Year is a key two-way piece for Michigan, so any dip in mobility could shift his role toward perimeter shooting and test the Wolverines’ rebounding plan.