Yaacov's Utah Red: NBA Draft or NCAA Court?

Israeli-Danish point guard Noam Yaacov has been spotted in Salt Lake City, fueling anticipation for his potential commitment to the Utah Runnin' Utes for the 2026-27 season. Yaacov, who turned 21 recently, is also gaining attention as a potential second-round selection in the upcoming NBA draft. His participation in the G League and NBA Draft Combines showcased his skills, with analysts highlighting his pick-and-roll offense and playmaking.

Experts like ESPN's Jeremy Woo project Yaacov as a second-round pick, while others suggest he could be a draft-and-stash player, developing with Utah before entering the NBA. Yaacov had a strong season in the BNXT League, leading his team to the Belgian playoff championship series. His impressive statistics and performances have led to comparisons with NBA guards Goran Dragic and T.J. McConnell, with considerable optimism surrounding his potential impact on the Utes' program.