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, where he was teammates with Israeli players Tamir Blatt and Yuval Zosman. Together, they won the German championship and cup, and competed in the EuroLeague, developing a close professional and personal relationship.

Although Olinda will not play in the upcoming game due to a minor injury, he is currently in Riga, Latvia, and took the opportunity to discuss the match. He emphasized the seriousness with which the German team approaches the game, noting Israel's fast pace and the absence of tall players on their roster. The German coach has prepared various lineups to adapt accordingly.

Olinda specifically identified Israeli point guard Yam Madar as the main focus for Germany, praising him as an excellent playmaker and scorer. He stressed the need to stop Madar to secure victory. Reflecting on his time with Blatt and Zosman, Olinda described them as great, competitive players and valued teammates. He highlighted Blatt's offensive skills and Zosman's defensive prowess, expressing regret that they will not participate in the game.

The match will be held behind closed doors in Riga, with about 100 members of the Jewish community in Latvia attending, along with the Israeli youth national team currently in Riga for a preparatory tournament.