Noam Yaacov Officially Joins Utah for Upcoming NCAA Season
Noam Yaacov has formally signed with the University of Utah and will join the NCAA starting next season, the school announced on its social media accounts. Yaacov, who played for Belgian club Oostende, had committed about two months ago and is now making the move to American college basketball.
The guard, who previously left Hapoel Tel Aviv for Oostende, had hoped to hear his name called in the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday, but he went undrafted. Instead, he is following through on his earlier commitment and becoming part of the long list of Israelis competing in the NCAA.
During his time with Oostende, Yaacov averaged 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He shot 50% from the field and 39% from three-point range.
Oostende lost the championship to Antwerp in a five-game series, with Yaacov scoring 19 points in the deciding game but missing a crucial late shot. Utah will be his next stop as he begins college basketball next season.
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