During the offseason, Purdue Boilermakers on SI will spotlight players from the 2025–26 Purdue men’s basketball team in a “Welcome Back/Welcome Aboard” series. The series will reflect on the 2024–25 season while offering a preview of what’s ahead.
Today’s spotlight is on Omer Mayer, a 6-foot-4 freshman from Tel Aviv, Israel, who arrives in West Lafayette with valuable EuroLeague experience.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74098220/491339053_18496703764061676_2564320764632389967_n.0.jpg)
Omer Mayer’s experience before Purdue
Mayer was a significant offseason pickup for Purdue’s backcourt. The 6-foot-4 guard brings experience from one of the top professional leagues globally, having played in the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv. While he posted modest averages of 2.6 points and 2.0 assists per game last season, he finished strong with an impressive 11-point, three-assist outing against Bayern Munich.
His performance earned him recognition as a four-star recruit and a top-50 prospect in the 2025 class.
In 2024, Mayer showcased his all-around game during the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championships, where he averaged 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per contest while representing Israel.
Although joining a title-contending Purdue squad will come with its challenges, Mayer’s background in high-level international play gives him a unique advantage. Despite being new to the college game, he brings a depth of experience that will benefit the Boilermakers.
Mayer can play both guard positions
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Omer Mayer has the versatility to play either guard spot for Purdue. He’s a strong ball-handler and a smart decision-maker, offering the Boilermakers a steady presence when Braden Smith needs a break.
Mayer can also play off the ball, excelling in catch-and-shoot scenarios. When Fletcher Loyer is off the floor, Mayer could step into that role, giving Purdue a reliable shooter and adding another playmaker when paired with Smith in the backcourt.
“We believe he’s going to be a great asset for us,” head coach Matt Painter told Andy Katz on The Sideline. “He can handle both guard positions, is very skilled with the ball, makes smart plays, and has competed at a high level in the EuroLeague — so we’re really excited about him.”
While Purdue has several guards who can rotate between positions — including Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox — Mayer may be the most well-rounded option when it comes to scoring, distributing, rebounding, and handling the ball.
Mayer has played with and against former Boilers
Competing in the EuroLeague gave Omer Mayer a rare opportunity to play both alongside and against some notable Purdue alumni.
While suiting up for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Mayer was teammates with former Boilermaker standout Trevion Williams. The 6-foot-10 forward played at Purdue from 2018 to 2022, where he averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over his collegiate career.
In his final EuroLeague appearance of the 2025 season, Mayer tallied 11 points and three assists in a matchup against Bayern Munich — a team led by former Purdue guard Carsen Edwards. Edwards is best known for his electrifying 2019 NCAA Tournament performance, where he averaged 34.8 points per game and helped lead Purdue to the Elite Eight.
Did sharing the court with Williams and facing Edwards play a role in Mayer’s decision to join the Boilermakers? Possibly. But more importantly, it underscores the high caliber of competition Mayer has faced. Both Williams and Edwards were All-Big Ten performers and have built successful professional careers overseas — highlighting just how prepared Mayer is for the next step in West Lafayette.
Looking ahead to 2025-26
If not for the established presence of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, Omer Mayer might be projected as an immediate starter for Purdue. While that scenario isn’t entirely off the table, it would likely require Loyer to shift to the small forward spot.
Mayer will also face competition for minutes from CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris, both of whom played meaningful roles for the Boilermakers during the 2024–25 campaign.
Still, based on his skillset and highlight footage, Mayer appears too talented to be kept on the sidelines for long. He offers Purdue another reliable ball-handler to pair with Smith or to take over primary duties when the senior guard needs rest.
Like every player on a deep and talented roster, Mayer will need to earn his spot through competition. But with his size, versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, it’s hard to imagine he won’t carve out at least 15 minutes per game as a true freshman.