Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has become one of the NBA’s promising young players following his selection as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His journey from college basketball to the professional league has also brought attention to his parents, Yissel Raposo and Okary Lendeborg. Both represented the Dominican Republic in basketball, but it was his mother’s determination, personal sacrifices and ongoing battle with cancer that became a particularly emotional part of his remarkable rise.
Lendeborg, born on September 30, 2002, in Puerto Rico, grew up in a Dominican family with strong sporting connections. His parents introduced him to competitive athletics, although his journey to professional basketball involved academic struggles, family challenges and several unexpected opportunities.
Who Are Yaxel Lendeborg’s Parents?
Yaxel Lendeborg’s parents are Yissel Raposo and Okary Lendeborg, both former basketball players who represented the Dominican Republic national team.
His mother also played volleyball at the national level, making her an accomplished athlete in two sports.
The couple welcomed Yaxel while living in Puerto Rico before relocating to the United States.
Their family eventually settled in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where Lendeborg spent much of his childhood alongside his three younger sisters.
Who Is Yaxel Lendeborg’s Mother Yissel Raposo?
Yissel Raposo is a former Dominican basketball and volleyball player who attended the American University of Puerto Rico.
She was still competing in college athletics when she became pregnant with Yaxel.
After becoming a mother, Raposo gradually stepped away from competitive sports to focus on raising her children and supporting her family.
Her influence became especially important when Lendeborg struggled academically during high school.
Rather than allowing him to abandon his education, she worked with school counselors and established a plan to help him improve his grades.
She later contacted basketball connections and helped him secure opportunities that eventually led to Arizona Western College.
Who Is Yaxel Lendeborg’s Father Okary Lendeborg?
Okary Lendeborg is a former basketball player who represented the Dominican Republic.
He also played basketball in Puerto Rico, where he met Yaxel’s mother.
During his son’s childhood, Okary spent considerable time working to support the family.
Lendeborg has publicly acknowledged that his relationship with his father was sometimes difficult, particularly during his teenage years.
However, both parents were present during important moments in his basketball development, including his successful college career.
What Happened to Yaxel Lendeborg’s Mother?
In February 2026, Lendeborg publicly discussed his mother’s cancer diagnosis in an emotional personal essay.
Raposo had been diagnosed with appendix cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy while her son competed for Michigan.
Despite her treatment, she continued following his basketball performances and attended important games whenever possible.
Lendeborg has repeatedly credited his mother with changing the direction of his life, explaining that her determination helped him overcome academic difficulties and pursue a professional basketball career.
Her health challenges added emotional significance to his college achievements and subsequent selection in the NBA Draft.
Does Yaxel Lendeborg Have Any Siblings?
Yaxel Lendeborg is the eldest of four children and has three younger sisters.
One of his sisters, Yisendy Lendeborg, has followed the family’s sporting tradition by playing basketball at Pennsauken High School.
His sisters have generally remained outside the public spotlight, although they have supported his athletic achievements.
The family shares strong connections to the Dominican Republic despite spending much of their lives in the United States.
How Did His Parents Influence His NBA Career?
Lendeborg’s journey included time at Arizona Western College, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Michigan.
His successful season at Michigan helped establish him as one of the country’s leading college basketball players.
In June 2026, the Golden State Warriors selected him with the 11th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
He subsequently helped Golden State win the NBA Summer League championship, earning recognition for his performance in the title game.
For Lendeborg, reaching the NBA represented more than an individual achievement. It also reflected the sacrifices made by his parents, particularly his mother, whose encouragement helped him continue pursuing basketball when his future appeared uncertain.