Yam Madar signs three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving rival Hapoel

Maccabi Tel Aviv has secured a significant offseason acquisition by signing Israeli national team guard Yam Madar to a three-year deal, keeping him with the club until the end of the 2028/29 season. The 25-year-old point guard, who grew up as a Maccabi fan, joins the reigning Israeli League and State Cup champions under coach Oded Katash. He is anticipated to play a crucial role in the team's ambitions both in domestic competitions and the Euroleague.

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I'm happy and excited to open a new chapter and join Maccabi Tel Aviv. I'm already looking forward to meeting the fans, my teammates and the staff, and I promise to give everything I have in every practice and every game to help the club achieve its goals. I want to thank the coaching staff, the management and the owners for their trust, and I look forward to giving back on the court. Yalla Maccabi!

Madar's move marks an aggressive summer for Maccabi, who have retained key players like John DiBartolomeo, Jaylen Hoard, Jimmy Clark, Will Rayman, and Oshae Brissett, while also welcoming back Bonzie Colson. With Tamir Blatt's departure, Madar is poised to become Maccabi's primary Israeli playmaker. Having previously played under Katash with the Israeli national team, Madar brings an established rapport with the coaching staff and many of his new teammates. Despite his age, he possesses considerable experience at the highest level, including 89 Euroleague appearances, and has earned a reputation as one of Israel's top two-way guards.

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I'm very happy that Yam is joining us. His qualities are obvious to everyone, especially after the recent playoffs, and we envision a significant role for him on the team. He arrives at Maccabi at the right age and with massive upside.

Coach Katash views the timing as ideal for the transfer. "I'm very happy that Yam is joining us," he stated. "His qualities are obvious to everyone, especially after the recent playoffs, and we envision a significant role for him on the team. He arrives at Maccabi at the right age and with massive upside." Katash also highlighted the unique connection between Maccabi and its supporters, particularly relevant given Madar's transition from rival Hapoel Tel Aviv. "The secret of Maccabi's magic and success stems from the connection between the fans, the team and the players," Katash said. "I am certain that with Yam, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a natural connection that will only grow deeper."

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The secret of Maccabi's magic and success stems from the connection between the fans, the team and the players. I am certain that with Yam, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a natural connection that will only grow deeper.

Club chairman Shimon Mizrahi also extended a warm welcome. "Yam, you are warmly welcomed with tremendous love and joy as another Israeli player who will be an anchor of our team, Maccabi Tel Aviv," Mizrahi said. "We wish you great success." Madar himself expressed his enthusiasm: "I'm happy and excited to open a new chapter and join Maccabi Tel Aviv," he told the club's official website. "I'm already looking forward to meeting the fans, my teammates and the staff, and I promise to give everything I have in every practice and every game to help the club achieve its goals."

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Yam, you are warmly welcomed with tremendous love and joy as another Israeli player who will be an anchor of our team, Maccabi Tel Aviv. We wish you great success.