Basketball-Bundesliga - Master FC Bayern signs Israeli Madar
FC Bayern Munchen, the German basketball champion, have signed Yam Madar. The Israeli national player has signed a contract with the Double-Winner until 2026. The 23-year-old Point Guard gained experiences in the two previous seasons at Partizan Belgrade and Fenerbahce Istanbul.
"Bayern is a historic club that everyone in Europe knows about," said Madar during the announcement of his signing, also formulating his goals with the Bayern team: "In the Bundesliga, we want to build on what was achieved last season. And in the Euroleague, we will attack the Top 8. I am excited about this new challenge."
Marko Pesic, Bayern's business manager, reported that talks with Madar had been ongoing for a year. "We are very happy that it worked out this time." Madar is still young but already experienced at the highest level. "His energy, fighting spirit, and dedication to the game, combined with his intelligence and now good experience in the Euroleague, this package will be very helpful for us next season," Pesic stated in the club announcement.
Welcome, Yam!
"EuroLeague Rising Star" and U20 European Champion
Yam Madar, 1.90 meters tall, impressed at a young age. At the age of 17, he made his debut for the former champion Hapoel Tel Aviv, leaving his mark in European competition as well. In his third season there, now 20 years old, he shone in Israel's top league with an average of 17.1 points and 5.2 assists, as well as a 47% three-point percentage.
In November 2020, the Boston Celtics secured the rights to the 47th draft pick, but the journey continued at Partizan Belgrade (EuroLeague: 8.6 PPS). In his second year under Zeljko Obradovic, he finished second in the Adria League 2023 and in the EuroLeague (5.8 PPS; in the Playoffs against Real Madrid 6.6 PPS), solidifying his status as one of the most promising point guard prospects.
Playoff experience with Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce acquired him, but his playing time remained developable in Istanbul. For the Final Four participant, he played approximately 13 minutes on the court (4.3 PPS, 2.0 APG), contributing 11.2 points (46.3% 3FG) and 5.4 assists to the Turkish championship win.
At the EM 2022, Madar averaged 13.4 points in five games. In the current EM qualification, he stands at 17.5 points after two appearances. At the U20 EM 2019, the teenager had 15.9 points per game and was the tournament's leading assist provider (7.7 APG, 47% 3FG), playing a significant role in Israel's surprising title win.
- Yam Madar expressed his excitement about joining FC Bayern Munchen, a renowned club in Europe.
- In the Bundesliga, Bayern and Madar aim to build upon their successful previous season's achievements.
- Marko Pesic, Bayern's business manager, mentioned that discussions with Madar had been ongoing for a year before the agreement was reached.
- Prior to joining FC Bayern Munchen, Madar gained experience in the Euroleague with both Partizan Belgrade in Serbia and Fenerbahce SK in Turkey.
- Beyond Europe, Madar had brief stints with Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel and even had his rights secured by the Boston Celtics in the NBA draft.
- Fenerbahce took note of Madar's potential and acquired him, but his minutes on the court in Istanbul remained limited.
- Fundamental to his growth, Madar gained valuable playoff experience with Fenerbahce, ultimately contributing to their Turkish championship victory.
