​TAMIR BLATT and Maccabi Tel Aviv are rounding into form ahead of a derby this week vs Hapoel and then the upcoming playoffs. (photo credit: YEHUDA HALICKMAN)The 25-year-old point guard (1.90m), who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champion under head coach Oded Katash.Maccabi Tel Aviv made one of the biggest moves of the Israeli basketball offseason by signing Israeli national team guard Yam Madar to a three-year contract that will keep him with the club through the end of the 2028/29 season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 25-year-old point guard (1.90m), who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champion under head coach Oded Katash and is expected to play a central role in the club’s plans both domestically and in the Euroleague.Madar’s arrival continues an aggressive summer for the yellow-and-blue, who have already retained captain John DiBartolomeo, Jaylen Hoard, Jimmy Clark, Will Rayman and Oshae Brissett while also bringing back Bonzie Colson. With Tamir Blatt departing, Madar is expected to become Maccabi’s primary Israeli floor general.Having already played under Katash with the Israeli national team, Madar arrives with an established relationship with the coaching staff and many of his new teammates. Despite his age, he already owns extensive experience at the highest level, including 89 Euroleague appearances, while earning a reputation as one of Israel’s premier two-way guards.”I’m happy and excited to open a new chapter and join Maccabi Tel Aviv,” Madar told the club’s official website. “I’m already looking forward to meeting the fans, my teammates and the staff, and I promise to give everything I have in every practice and every game to help the club achieve its goals. I want to thank the coaching staff, the management and the owners for their trust, and I look forward to giving back on the court. Yalla Maccabi!”ISH WAINRIGHT (left) and Hapoel Tel Aviv overpowered Maccabi Tel Aviv 99-88 in the displaced Euroleague derby between the clubs in Belgrade. (credit: Hapoel Tel Aviv/Courtesy)Katash believes the timing is ideal for the move.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”I’m very happy that Yam is joining us,” the coach said. “His qualities are obvious to everyone, especially after the recent playoffs, and we envision a significant role for him on the team. He arrives at Maccabi at the right age and with massive upside. I want to thank the owners for their tremendous efforts in making this signing happen.”The veteran coach also pointed to the unique bond between the club and its supporters, particularly given Madar’s move from arch-rival Hapoel Tel Aviv.”The secret of Maccabi’s magic and success stems from the connection between the fans, the team and the players,” Katash said. “I am certain that with Yam, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with a natural connection that will only grow deeper.”Club chairman Shimon Mizrahi also welcomed the newest