According to multiple reports, 25-year-old Israeli point guard Yam Madar has agreed to join the LSU Tigers on a $5 million deal.
Former EuroLeague Rising Star Yam Madar reportedly agreed to a deal with the LSU Tigers worth $5 MILLION per season 😳
TOP NEWS
Madar becomes 26 next December 🤔 pic.twitter.com/x4lJFYbyea
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 18, 2026
The move is unprecedented in college basketball as Madar was actually drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft.
He’s been playing in the EuroLeague for Hapoel Tel Aviv since 2024, but has reportedly grown frustrated with his limited role.He averaged 3.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in 16 games last season.
If Madar is ultimately granted approval by the NCAA, it could have major ramifications for college basketball. By the time conference play ramps up next season, he’ll be turning 26 years old. To put this into perspective, he’s older than NBA stars like Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero.
It would also mark a major move in Will Wade’s quest to rebuild this Tigers roster from scratch.
At one point, the Tigers had zero players on the roster due to the transfer portal and seniors graduating. The addition of Madar would be a major splash that could have a huge ripple effect.
It will boil down to his ability to obtain NCAA approval, which could prove to be difficult.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
