2026-05-18T17:16:02+00:00
2026-05-18T17:16:02+00:00
2026-05-18T17:16:02+00:00.
18/May/26 17:16
Eurohoops.net
Alex Molina Perello
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s point guard, who will turn 26 next December, could be the last European talent to join NCAA
By Alex Molina/ [email protected]
Israeli point guard Yam Madar has agreed to join LSU Tigers men’s basketball, according to reports from Mozzart Sport, marking a major step away from European basketball and his current club, Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C..
Reports in recent days suggested that Madar had been in negotiations with the NCAA program from Louisiana, with speculation even linking the deal to a staggering $5 million per season package. Those talks now appear to have reached a full agreement.
Having turned 25, Madar will require special approval from the NCAA in order to become eligible to play college basketball in the United States.
LSU has reportedly been planning a stronger push into the European talent market for some time. Last season, the program featured Spanish prospect Pablo Tamba as well as Madar’s fellow Israeli Ron Ziper, who is expected to transfer to another university. Virtus Bologna’s Saliou Niang is also expected to join the program.
Madar has reportedly grown frustrated with his role at Hapoel, particularly during the EuroLeague quarterfinal series against Real Madrid Baloncesto. Across the series, he played a total of just 10 minutes, fewer than five in Game 2 and slightly more than six in Game 4, fueling speculation that a move elsewhere was becoming increasingly likely.
The Israeli guard finished the EuroLeague season having appeared in 16 games, averaging 3.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds per game.
