Noam Yaacov’s Next Step After the Belgian Title Loss

Noam Yaacov and Oostende lost the deciding game of the Belgian league final on Saturday, falling to Antwerp in overtime and dropping the series 3-2. It was the Israeli guard’s last game for now. He finished the regular season with career-best numbers, averaging 18.2 points on 50.3% shooting and 39% from three, plus 5.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Yaacov is now focusing on preparations for the NBA draft, which will be held on June 23 and 24. The latest Athletic projection has Washington selecting him at No. 51, and describes him as one of the draft prospects who improved the most. He began in a G League training camp and advanced to an NBA camp, where he showed physicality and an ability to control the pace against other projected draft picks.

The smaller number of players entering this year’s draft could help the Israeli guard, who is viewed as a player on a strong upward trajectory. Second-round picks usually receive a two-year deal with a team option for a third season, and that is the expected path for Emmanuel Sharp and Yaacov. If he goes undrafted, he can still play in the Summer League, where he could earn a contract or a final training camp invite.

Players who are not drafted sometimes sign two-way contracts that split time between the NBA and the G League. Yaacov was also selected earlier this season in the G League Ignite international draft by Cleveland, another sign of NBA interest. If he does not end up in the NBA, he is committed to Utah, where he is expected to be the starting point guard. Either way, he will spend the coming season in the United States.