Nick Calathes Praises Yam Madar's Move to Maccabi Tel Aviv as Right Decision

Greek-American guard Nick Calathes, in an exclusive interview with Channel Sports, discussed his connection to Israeli basketball and recent developments involving his former teammate Yam Madar. Calathes, who currently plays for Panathinaikos and has two years left on his contract, expressed his fondness for Israel and Tel Aviv, noting that although his brother played for Maccabi Haifa and won a championship, he personally never had the chance to play in Israel, which he regrets.

Calathes also spoke highly of Maccabi Tel Aviv's coach Oded Katash, praising his game management and player approach. He described their relationship as good and expressed respect for Katash’s basketball instincts, although they have not yet had the opportunity to work together.

Regarding Yam Madar, Calathes, who previously played alongside him at Fenerbahce, affirmed that Madar made the right choice by joining Maccabi Tel Aviv. He emphasized that Madar is the future of Israeli basketball alongside Deni Avdija and that his presence will positively change the team’s atmosphere and dynamics. The interview took place following Greece’s 82-76 loss to Ukraine in Riga, where Ukraine is hosting home games due to security concerns.

Calathes’s comments highlight his ongoing connection to Israeli basketball and optimism about the sport’s future in the country, especially through young talents like Madar.