Israeli Player Noam Yaakov Barred From NCAA Season, Eyes NBA Development League Next

Israeli basketball player Noam Yaakov faced disappointment after a decision was made overnight between Monday and Tuesday that he will not be allowed to play in the upcoming NCAA college basketball season. Yaakov had a significant role and contract with the University of Utah's team, the Runnin' Utes, but will now be unable to participate in the league. Expressing his gratitude, Yaakov thanked coach Jensen and the Utah staff on Instagram, saying he was looking forward to playing for the team and was saddened by the missed opportunity. He also praised the players and program for making him feel like part of the family and wished them well for the season.

At 21 years old, Yaakov plans to remain in the United States and pursue a contract with an NBA team. He is expected to join an NBA Development League team through affiliate contracts that connect these teams to their NBA parent clubs, aiming to work his way up to the NBA. Yaakov recently impressed playing for the Israeli national team in July and had a strong season last year with Ostend in Belgium, averaging 17.9 points and 5.8 assists per game. His career began with Hapoel Emek Hefer, followed by a stint in Villeurbanne, France, then a season with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2024/25 before moving to Belgium.