Michigan Wolverines men's basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg is taking heat for his behavior during the NCAA Tournament.
Lendeborg, 23, is in his sixth year of college basketball. He admitted after Michigan's blowout Sweet 16 win over Alabama that he felt "disrespected" by the Crimson Tide putting a freshman defender on him.
The All-American forward had 23 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists during the win. However, he's facing some heat on social media, with fans accusing him of being too cocky, given that he's a sixth-year senior.
Should he show more sportsmanship?
"Why is Yaxel Lendeborg always doing this I’m-holding-back-laughter gimmick when talking about freshman competition? Like my dude, you’re in your sixth year of college basketball. If you want to make sure people your age are guarding you, there’s options," one critic said.
College basketball fans are debating his behavior
College basketball fans aren't sure what to make of the Michigan star forward's confidence.
Some like it, while others find it offputting.
"It’s pretty obvious he was the athlete in HS that failed every class and thought he was cool," one fan wrote.
"Michigan clearly doesn’t media train this clown. Dude immatureand he reminds me of me in middle school snickering with my friends. The fact that he’s doing it in college as a 23 year old is so weird," one fan added.
"Him mocking freshman cracks me up. When Yaxel was their age he was getting ready for his 5th year of high school. Meanwhile these dudes are getting ready for the NBA," one fan added.
"He’s more immature than any freshman who has guarded him. Wow, he’s not even self aware enough to be embarrassed at his antics," one fan added.
Michigan, meanwhile, is off to the Final Four, where they will be playing No. 1 seed Arizona, with a spot in the national title game on the line.
