By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
On loan assignment from Turkish Airlines EuroLeague outfit LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Noam Yaacov was committed to Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
Yaacov, 18, became a new player of Hapoel Jerusalem Wednesday. Developing in ASVEL’s youth system since the start of the 2021-22 season, he will debut at the senior club level competing in the Basketball Champions League and Israel’s Winner League.
The team coached by Aleksandar Dzikic has qualified for the Round of 16 of the BCL. Placed in Group J alongside Telekom Baskets Bonn and two more sides surviving the Play-Ins. At the domestic level, the 7-5 record currently ranks fifth in Israel’s top-flight division.
“I am very excited to join Hapoel Jerusalem,” the young guard mentioned, per the press release, “This is an ideal situation for me, to jump into the senior level. I will be part of a group already connecting and I hope I can help in any area necessary. I am excited to start working under coach Dzikic and I am sure that I will be able to learn a lot from his tremendous experience and from all players surrounding me.”
In early December, the Jerusalem outfit ruled out Noam Dovrat for the rest of the season. Another prospect of Israeli basketball, he underwent surgery on his knee.
“Noam Yaacov is a young and very talented player with huge upside and a very high ceiling,” play-caller Dzikic commented on the addition to the roster, “Our situation is known. Noam Dovrat’s injury changed everything. So, I hope Noam Yaacov will be able to help us until the end of the season.”
At the international level, Yaacov represented Israel in the 2022 FIBA U18 European championship. He averaged 19.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per contest over seven appearances.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net