By Bugra Uzar/ info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce Beko has reached a 2+1 year deal with point guard Yam Madar (2000, 1.90), who wore the Partizan jersey and was selected as the “Rising Star” of the EuroLeague for the 2022-23 season.
Madar (1.90, 22) was impressive for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in his rookie EuroLeague season, averaging 5.8 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 5.0 PIR in 13:24 minutes on the floor per average.
The Israeli guard is the first signing to arrive at Fenerbahce this summer, with the club’s last roster update being the contract renewals of Dyshawn Pierre and Metecan Birsen at the end of May. After playing under Zeljko Obradovic at Partizan, Madar will now suit up for the Serbian’s former assistant, Dimitris Itoudis, at Fenerbahce.
The guard began his career in his native Israel back in the 2018-19 season, playing 32 games for Hapoel Tel Aviv. Madar remained with Hapoel for a further two years, first being named the Israeli Premier League Most Improved Player in the 2019-20 season before establishing himself as one of the country’s best players in 2020-21 with averages of 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals across 30 Israeli League appearances.
In the summer of 2021, Madar signed for Partizan and appeared in the BKT EuroCup for the first time, posting 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a 9.6 PIR in 17 games, four of which were as a starter. Then, last season, he handled the jump to the EuroLeague with aplomb. Madar now heads to Turkey to begin his journey under Coach Itoudis at Fenerbahce.
No buyout for Madar
Per Eurohoops sources, Fenerbahce doesn’t have to pay any kind of buyout for Madar, since the player was signed as a free agent.
Partizan intends to go to BAT, asking for compensation, but the chances are against them and it’s doubtful if they will proceed. Madar used a clause on his contract about delayed payments and got released.
Madar’s message
Madar sent the following farewell message to his teammates and Partizan via social media: My family, there are moments in life of difficult decisions and the most difficult ones are the decisions that involve emotion.
I have big emotions for the Club, but last 10 days I saw that emotions are not mutual, and I didn’t have a real choice.
I want to thank you for all the love and support that you showed for making me feel at home when I was far away.
Especially I want to thank our fans because you gave me experiences that will last In my heart forever, I had the privilege of playing for your club and wearing your jersey.
I’m honored to say I was playing for the best coach in the world, a coach who is first of all an amazing human being and a lifelong mentor, so thank you for choosing me and changing my life. Thanks to all the coaching staff and everyone that was part of us.
You will always be in my heart,
My teammates I love every one of you I wish great success to those who leave and to my brothers who stays I’ll always be a fan and support club no matter where I go.
Until we meet again
Yam