One of the most exciting transfers in recent years has officially closed.
Yam Madar will play in the Belgrade partisan and train under the legendary Zlimir Oberdovich.
The young quarterback has signed for two years with an option for another season in Serbia, and Hapoel Tel Aviv will receive $ 250,000 for him.
This is one of the biggest signings ever made by an Israeli player outside the country, and the very choice of the Serbian coach in Madar at a young age is one of the biggest compliments a player can receive.
This is the second time that the great master is coaching an Israeli player after Oded Katash at Panathinaikos in the 99/00 season - so it ended up winning the European title.
After a fall season, Partizan, who holds the European Championship title (1992) in her closet, decided to make a comeback and put everything in the hands of the great coaches in Europe, so naturally the stated goal is to return to the Euroleague within a season and later also to the front of the European stage.
Reaching the EuroCup final will give the partisan the ticket to the Euroleague for the 22/23 season.
Oberdovich returned to coaching after a sabbatical year, and the only place that could have made him a coach outside the Euroleague is the club where he previously played and led him to the European title as a coach - a title that opened an incredible career of 9 Euroleague wins.
Zelimir Oberdovich.
Photo: Getty Images,
Oberdovich's return has had a tremendous effect.
On the economic side, the relatively financially modest club has been exposed to possibilities it did not know before, and is today signing seven-digit contracts.
But beyond the money, Zeljko's appointment is a magnet for top players.
Kevin Panther, one of the best attacking players in the Euroleague (last season in Milan), could have chosen almost any club in the summer, but actually came to the Eurocup team and was joined by an impressive star battery.
We know Zack Lydie who is considered a domestic player of the top of the Euroleague, the scorer Alexa Abramovich, and two Europeans who returned from the NBA - the Latvian forward Rudionas Koroks and the chin Alexander Smilgic.
To understand how significant the Oberdovich effect is one has to read what Panther, an American who did not grow up on his legacy, said about him: "When Oberdovich wanted me I could not refuse. Everyone knows who Europe is."
Precisely in Madar's coordinator position, the competition is open and no caliber has been placed.
At the moment, the Israeli will compete for the minutes against Dallas Moore, who previously played with him at Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Marcus Page, who continues in the team.
Partizan's massive strengthening has another effect - the big rival Red Star Belgrade is also investing heavily, building a strong roster with Nikola Kalinic and Austin Hollins.
The Belgrade derby is always not to be missed, but this season in particular.
Challenger to 16. Israel - Czech Republic 55:85.
Yam Madar.
Photo: EPA,
