Omer Mayer, a 19-year-old guard from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, has committed to Purdue after emerging as a rising international talent. Competing in the Euroleague, widely seen as the top level of basketball outside the U.S., Mayer built his reputation early, debuting with Israel’s U18 national team at age 15.
In 2024, he averaged 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game during the European Championships, capturing national attention. The 6’4″ Israeli brings playmaking skill and international experience to the Boilermakers’ backcourt, making him one of the most intriguing additions for head coach Matt Painter ahead of next season.
Omer Mayer’s Roots: The Family Supporting Purdue’s Israeli Standout
Born in Ramat Gan and now living with his family in Ramat Hasharon, a suburb near Tel Aviv, Omer Mayer’s rise in basketball has been grounded in consistent support rather than a family legacy in professional sports.
While his parents’ names remain private, their steady encouragement has clearly helped shape his path. Despite not having a professional background in sports, Mayer’s family has been instrumental in fueling his growth on and off the court.
Though not raised in an athletic household, Mayer’s passion for basketball emerged early.
“I didn’t grow up in a basketball family although my father did play when he was younger,” Mayer recalled. “But ever since I was a toddler I remember just playing the game.”
Mayer began his journey in the local basketball scene of Ramat Hasharon. By third grade, he transitioned into the Maccabi Tel Aviv youth program, where he has remained part of the club’s yellow-and-blue system ever since. While he explored other sports like soccer and tennis, his interest in basketball stood out from the beginning.
“As a child I loved the game of basketball,” Mayer said. “I just enjoyed getting together with my friends and doing what we loved most.”
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Mayer credits his development not only to playing but also to observing greats on the court. Though he follows the NBA, he prefers watching Euroleague games, reflecting his connection to international competition. Among the players who’ve influenced his game are Stephen Curry and the late Kobe Bryant.
“Steph Curry is probably my all-time favorite player from the NBA,” he said. “But like many I also liked Kobe Bryant who had a mindset that was just impossible to understand. I try to take various attributes from a number of players to become an even better player myself.”
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