Yaxel Lendeberg, a rookie with the Golden State Warriors, reflects on his journey from the Dominican Republic to the NBA as one marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and the profound influence of his mother, Yissel Raposo. Selected 11th overall in the NBA draft and signed to a four-year, $28 million contract, Lendeberg’s rise from junior college player to Big Ten player of the year and national champion at Michigan underscores a story of hard work and resilience.
Lendeberg’s path to professional basketball was neither straightforward nor easy. Before emerging as a top collegiate athlete, he spent three seasons at Arizona Western College, a community college, followed by two seasons at Alabama-Birmingham, where he earned first-team American Athletic Conference honors twice. Throughout this time, he averaged impressive statistics and steadily improved his game, demonstrating dedication that matched his talent.
Central to Lendeberg’s development is the unwavering support and example set by his mother, Raposo. She maintained multiple jobs over many years to support her family, including 12-hour shifts at a warehouse, driving for Uber, and cleaning churches on weekends. Her relentless work ethic was pivotal in keeping the family financially stable while raising four children. Originally from Santo Domingo, Raposo moved to the United States after leaving behind a promising volleyball career in the Dominican Republic to focus on motherhood and secure employment in Ohio and later New Jersey.
Raposo's dedication extended beyond financial support. She played an active role in guiding her son’s academic and athletic progress, encouraging him during moments of doubt and rebellion. At 17, when Lendeberg was disengaged from school and basketball, she pushed him to complete his community college coursework and arranged opportunities for recruitment, including a crucial showcase that helped relaunch his basketball career. Her insistence on discipline and perseverance was crucial in shifting Lendeberg’s mindset toward his potential.
The family's athletic talent spans generations. Raposo herself was a talented basketball and volleyball player, representing the Dominican Republic at national and professional levels before giving up sports to raise her family. Lendeberg inherited the competitive spirit from her and also from his maternal grandfather, Antonio de Jesús, who introduced him to baseball before his passing years ago. Religious faith and gratitude also shape Lendeberg’s outlook, as he often attributes his success to “the grace of God.”
Despite undergoing chemotherapy for Stage 4 appendix cancer, Raposo continues to be a constant presence in her son’s life, attending games and providing vocal support, including a distinctive call that Lendeberg recognizes amid the crowd noise. The close mother-son bond and Raposo’s sacrifices remain a driving force behind Lendeberg’s work ethic and achievements.
Lendeberg’s journey reflects more than just personal success; it embodies the collective effort of a family that has endured hardship and embraced sacrifice. His arrival in the NBA is as much a testament to his own determination as it is to the foundation built by Raposo, whose tireless commitment made this moment possible.