The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry runs deep, even for those who have limited experience within it. Such is the case for one-year Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg, who only faced off against the Spartans in his career.
Lendeborg is an outspoken character, and even after being drafted by the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night with the No. 11 overall pick, he didn’t quite hold back when asked a question about the rivalry. Given that Lendeborg wears No. 23, he was asked if he would accept it from former MSU standout Draymond Green if he had to wear Spartans gear for a year, and Lendeborg went off.
“Nah. Nah. I’m not doing that, man,” Lendeborg said. “I hate those guys. I’ve only been there for one year, but I definitely hate those guys. All that they were saying, and they can’t really say much because, you know, I went 2-0 against them this year. So they’re going to be little brother for me forever, and I’m not going to represent the losers ever.”
Commence MSU fan breakdown in three, two, one . . .
Lendeborg even went all ‘little brother’ on them. That certainly won’t ingratiate himself with Green, who is outspoken in his Spartan allegiance. And though he’s a strong-willed character, it’s unlikely that Lendeborg will back down.
Nonetheless, it’s been a long time since there was drama within the rivalry, as it’s been at least a few months — long for the constant bickering between the two schools.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Warriors pick Yaxel Lendeborg slams Michigan State
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire | USA TODAY Network
