Yam Madar received a very significant stamp of quality on Friday that will probably accompany him throughout his career: the 22-year-old Partizan Belgrade point guard won the Euroleague Rising Star of the Year award after the factory's coaches chose him by a majority vote. It's an award given to the best player in the Euroleague under the age of 22, and Madar won it in his first season at the factory, ahead of last year's title winner, Barcelona point guard Roques Jokubaitis.
Mader averaged 5.8 points for Partizan this season, but reached double-digit points 10 times and also recorded two games with 15 points, including 12 points and 6 rebounds in Game 3 against Real Madrid in the playoffs. Mader made a total of 57 shots and 22 threes, more than any other player his age. He also led the young players with 23 steals.
Respect. Yam Madar (Photo by Getty Images, Nikola Krstic/MB Media)
After the announcement of his award, Mike James took the time to congratulate. "He totally deserves it," the Monaco star wrote. The Serbian media were enthusiastic and credited the achievement to Željko Obradović, Madar's coach at Partizan and who was known over the years as an expert in developing young players. "Another success of Obradović," Serbian media wrote. "Zeljko's record is once again proving itself. Madar became a favorite of the audience, and today he has received recognition throughout Europe."
"Partizan Belgrade is proud of Mader for the ability he showed in his debut season in the Euroleague and for his contribution to the great season that the team had last year," Partizan Belgrade said of the selection of the player, who will try again this summer to reach the NBA after being drafted by Boston.
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