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n” “nSanto Domingo. – The President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, congratulated Dominican basketball player Yaxel Lendeborg after he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the eleventh pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, a fact that continues to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s presence in the world’s premier basketball league.
n” “nThrough an Instagram post, the president highlighted the significance of the achievement reached by the young player and described it as an inspiration for new generations of Dominican athletes.
n” “n“Congratulations, Yaxel Lendeborg! Your selection by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Draft is a source of pride for the entire Dominican Republic. May this achievement be an inspiration to thousands of young people who dream big and work every day to reach their goals. Much success in this new stage!”, wrote Abinader.
n” “nLendeborg was selected at the number 11 position after an outstanding collegiate career with the Michigan Wolverines, where he won the NCAA championship and established himself as one of the most complete prospects of his generation.
The forward’s selection represents another important step for Dominican basketball, as he became the 14th Dominican player chosen in an NBA Draft and one of the highest-selected players of Quisqueyan origin in history.
n” “nLendeborg’s arrival at the Warriors has generated a wave of congratulations in the country, where fans, sports officials, and public figures celebrate the success of a new Dominican prospect who will seek to make his way into the NBA.
n” “nDominicans selected in the NBA Draft
n”| Año | Jugador |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Hugo Cabrera |
| 1984 | Frank Rodríguez |
| 1988 | Tito Horford |
| 1988 | José Vargas |
| 1998 | Felipe López |
| 2004 | Luis Flores |
| 2005 | Charlie Villanueva |
| 2005 | Francisco García |
| 2007 | Al Horford |
| 2007 | Sammy Mejía |
| 2015 | Karl-Anthony Towns |
| 2021 | Chris Duarte |
| 2025 | Koby Brea |
| 2026 | Yaxel Lendeborg |
With Yaxel Lendeborg, the Dominican Republic continues to expand its legacy in the NBA and reaffirms its growth as one of the main talent pipelines for basketball in Latin America.
