Hapoel Tel Aviv has announced that their star point guard, Yam Madar, will undergo surgery to remove his appendix. This news comes just before the start of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, and it is now uncertain if he will be healthy enough to play in the team’s opening games.
The timing of the surgery is unfortunate for Hapoel, as Madar is a crucial player for their campaign. While the team has not set a specific date for his return, recovery from such a procedure can take several weeks, putting his availability for the early matches in serious doubt.
🚑 Madar Scheduled for Surgery
Hapoel Tel Aviv confirmed on Wednesday that the 24-year-old player is scheduled for an appendectomy. With the team making its first-ever appearance in the EuroLeague, they face a challenging start. Their first game is against FC Barcelona on September 30, followed by a match against Anadolu Efes on October 3. The team and fans will be hoping for his speedy recovery.
🏀 A Big Blow to Hapoel’s Debut
Madar’s potential absence is a significant setback. He rejoined his first professional team last November and was a key leader in their BKT EuroCup championship run, averaging 14.4 points and 4.5 assists per game. As the EuroLeague Rising Star of the 2022-23 season, his experience is vital for a team new to this top-tier European competition.
🌟 A Rising Star’s Journey
This will be Madar’s fourth season in the EuroLeague, having previously played for FC Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce, and Partizan. His talent was also recognized by the NBA when the Boston Celtics selected him with the 47th pick in the 2020 draft. Although he played for the Celtics in the 2021 Summer League, he has not yet played in the NBA regular season. He also represented Israel in the recent EuroBasket 2025 tournament.
