Israeli Guard Noam Yaakov Loses NCAA Eligibility, Plans NBA G League Move

Noam Yaakov, a 21-year-old Israeli basketball guard, was set to play for the University of Utah in the upcoming NCAA college basketball season but has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA. The decision, which came as a surprise to Yaakov himself, is final and cannot be appealed. Yaakov was expected to play a significant role on the Utah team and was projected to earn around one million dollars for the season.

Sources close to Yaakov told Sport 5 that the disqualification is due to academic bureaucratic issues rather than professional or medical reasons. Despite the setback, Yaakov and his team are already planning his next steps. He is unlikely to return to Europe and instead aims to join the NBA G League, the NBA's official minor league, where he hopes to secure a two-way contract. This type of contract allows young or undrafted players to split time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate, with salary adjusted accordingly and a limit of 50 NBA games per season.

Yaakov expressed his disappointment and gratitude on Instagram, thanking Utah's coach Jensen and the team for their support and stating he remains focused on his goals. He acknowledged the closure of this chapter and the opening of a new one in his basketball journey, wishing the Utah program success in the upcoming season.