Who are Yaxel Lendeborg’s parents, and how have they influenced his life and career? Yaxel Lendeborg, a promising basketball player, credits his mother, Yissel Raposo, and father, Okary Lendeborg, for their unwavering support and sacrifices that have shaped his journey.
Yissel Raposo, who played volleyball for the Dominican Republic national team, has been a significant force in Yaxel’s life. She staged an intervention during his senior year of high school to help him improve his academics and basketball prospects. Despite being diagnosed with appendix cancer before Yaxel’s last season began, she remained a constant source of encouragement, attending many of his games.
Yaxel’s father, Okary Lendeborg, also played for the Dominican Republic national basketball team. While Yissel focused on supporting Yaxel and his siblings, Okary worked to provide for the family. Their move from Puerto Rico to New Jersey was driven by a job opportunity for Okary, which ultimately set the stage for Yaxel’s basketball career.
Yaxel was born on September 30, 2002, in Puerto Rico, and moved to Ohio at the age of two, later relocating to New Jersey at eight. Throughout his childhood, he preferred baseball and video games over academics. However, the support from his parents, especially his mother, helped him turn his life around.
Yaxel has openly expressed his gratitude towards his mother, stating, “I owe it all to my mom.” He acknowledges the countless times she could have given up on him but chose to persevere instead. Yissel has always believed in his talent, telling him, “You will have to sacrifice, but I will, too.”
As Yaxel continues to make headlines in the basketball world, including impressive performances in the Elite Eight and Sweet 16, the influence of his parents remains evident. He scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in crucial games, showcasing the skills honed with their support.
Looking ahead, Yaxel is attracting attention from major college programs, with NIL compensation offers ranging from $3 million from Michigan to $7-9 million from Kentucky. His potential four-year rookie contract could be worth $14 million, reflecting the high expectations placed on him.
As Yaxel’s career progresses, the role of his parents will undoubtedly continue to be a vital part of his story. Their sacrifices and encouragement have laid a strong foundation for his success, and fans will be eager to see how this young athlete’s journey unfolds.