German Forward Luis Olinda Highlights Yam Madar as Key Threat Ahead of Israel Match

Luis Olinda, a German basketball forward familiar with Israeli basketball, spoke in an interview with Sport Channel about the upcoming game against Israel. Olinda played four seasons with Alba Berlin, often alongside Israeli players Tamir Blatt and Yuval Zosman. The trio contributed to the team's German championship and cup victories and competed together in the EuroLeague, developing close professional and personal ties.

Although Olinda will not play in the upcoming match due to a minor injury, he is currently in Riga, Latvia, and shared insights about the Israeli team. He emphasized the seriousness with which the German team approaches the game, noting Israel's fast pace and lack of tall players. Olinda pointed out that the German coach has prepared various lineups to adapt accordingly.

Olinda specifically identified Israeli point guard Yam Madar as a major focus, praising him as an excellent playmaker and scorer whose recent performances require close attention to secure a German victory. Reflecting on his time with Blatt and Zosman, Olinda described them as great competitors and talented players, highlighting Blatt's offensive skills and Zosman's defensive prowess. He expressed regret that these key Israeli players will not participate in the match.

The game is scheduled to take place behind closed doors, with about 100 members of the Jewish community in Latvia expected to attend, along with the Israeli youth national team currently in Riga for a preparatory tournament.