Noam Yaakov Joins Israeli National Team After Breakout Season, Eyes NBA Dream

Noam Yaakov, the 21-year-old Israeli guard, has marked a significant milestone in his basketball career following a standout season in Belgium. Having played for four professional teams, two in Israel (Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem) and two in Europe (Wilbrant in France and Ostend in Belgium), Yaakov’s latest season with Ostend was a breakthrough. He averaged 17.2 points, 6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, establishing himself as the team's leading point guard and a key player in their playoff run, which ended in a tough Game 5 loss to Antwerp.

Yaakov’s impressive performance earned him an invitation to the NBA Development League, where he averaged 13 points and 3 assists, boosting his profile ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. Despite praise from draft experts and projections placing him in the second round, Yaakov went undrafted. Undeterred, he chose to pursue college basketball in the United States, signing with the University of Utah. He explained that even if drafted, he would have preferred the college route to further his development and ultimate goal of reaching the NBA.

An Israeli basketball player familiar with the U.S. college system highlighted the superior resources and training available there, emphasizing that this environment is ideal for Yaakov’s growth. Yaakov himself expressed pride in his decision to play in Ostend and readiness to embrace the challenges ahead in the U.S. college system.

Now a key figure in the Israeli national team, especially with many top players absent, Yaakov is expected to take on multiple roles, including providing energy off the bench or sharing point guard duties. National team coach Ariel Beit-Halahmi praised Yaakov’s hard work and potential, hoping he fulfills his NBA aspirations. Yaakov is committed to contributing fully to the team’s efforts to qualify for the World Cup, showing determination despite past injuries and a thin backcourt roster.