General view of FIBA basketball during a stoppage Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Purdue Basketball: Israel Reportedly Decides on FIBA U19 World Cup Participation

Originally posted on Purdue Boilermakers on SI
By Dustin Schutte | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 1:39 PM ET

The Israel U19 men's basketball team is headed to Switzerland for the 2025 FIBA World Cup. Although the country remains at war with Iran, it was reported by Sports Rabbi on Friday that the team received permission to travel for the event. Incoming Purdue guard Omer Mayer is a member of the team.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Israel U19 team may withdraw from the event because of travel concerns. However, the team and other athletes received approval to leave the country and participate in the FIBA U19 World Cup, scheduled for June 28 through July 6.

"A joint move by the Ministry of Sports, the Olympic Committee, the umbrella organizations, sports associations, the Unit for Competitive Sports, and El Al Airlines has created an arrangement that allows sports delegations and athletes to immediately represent Israel around the world," Joshua Halickman wrote.

No official confirmation yet, but @BasketNews_lt reports that Israel will be dropping out of FIBA U19 World Cup and will be getting replaced by Lithuania.
— Rob Karaznevic (@dogtheballer) June 16, 2025

Mayer is one of 12 members of the Israel U19 team. He has not yet practiced at Purdue, instead preparing for this event before traveling to West Lafayette for summer and fall practices.

בהצלחה לנבחרת ישראל עד גיל 19 שיוצאת לאליפות העולם בשוויץ. בנבחרת משחקים שני בוגרי מחלקת הנוער, ג׳ול ואביב, נאחל להם ולכל הנבחרת בהצלחה גדולה pic.twitter.com/uRW0L0sHgf
— עמותת הפועל אוסישקין תל אביב (@HapoelUssishkin) June 20, 2025

Mayer was ranked as a top 50 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class by On3, earning a four-star rating. The 6-foot-4 guard brings plenty of experience to Purdue, having played in the EuroLeague with former Boilermaker big man Trevion Williams for Tel Aviv Maccabi.

Mayer is one of two Purdue basketball players participating in the FIBA U19 World Cup. Center Daniel Jacobsen made the 12-man roster with USA Basketball and will also be headed to Switzerland for the event.

This article first appeared on Purdue Boilermakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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