Israeli point guard Yam Madar has agreed to a lucrative contract to play college basketball at LSU, according to a report from Mozzart Sport. Israel Hayom previously reported that Madar was in advanced talks with LSU on a deal worth approximately $5MM.
Both outlets noted that Madar would have to be granted special eligibility from the NCAA in order to be cleared to suit up for the Tigers. He turned 25 years old in December and holds extensive international experience, so he’d only be able to play one season if he’s granted eligibility.
According to Kevin Sweeney of SI.com (Twitter link), Madar’s case for eligibility would likely be tied to an exemption for military service and participation with the Israeli national team.
Madar is a former second-round pick, having been selected 47th overall in 2020. However, he never signed an NBA contract, and the Celtics — the team that drafted him — still control his NBA rights.
According to Israel Yayom, Madar has been unhappy with his role with Hapoel Tel Aviv, as he rarely played in EuroLeague action in 2025/26. The 6’3″ guard is under contract next season at an estimated $1.9MM, but his deal features a buyout clause that could allow him to play for LSU, assuming he’s eligible.
Madar, who won the EuroLeague’s Rising Star award during the ’22/23 campaign, has played for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Partizan Belgrade, Fenerbahce, and Bayern Munich since he was drafted six years ago.
There’s no recent precedent for a player in Madar’s situation. The closest comparable might be James Nnaji, a Knicks prospect who was selected 31st overall in the 2024 draft. However, Nnaji, who played a modest role for Baylor to end last season, is nearly four full years younger than Madar.
I guess LeBron should have 1 year of eligibility to play at Ohio State
at Akron*
Do not like how college is turning into pro sports with the highest bidder able to sign players so the richest schools can recruit.
The crazy thing is it has always been that way cheating was rampant, and most of the teams got away. It is nice that the athletes are now getting paid, but they need to limit how much they get paid..
Lol get outta here and go play somewhere else.
Love this, the ncaa is broken and the little patches they put in it wont fix nothing until the whole system changes
Celtics drafted him how long ago and he’s eligible? What a joke
I thought he was going to be our “Tyler Herro.”