Pepperdine University announced the addition of Oren Sahar to its men's basketball roster, signaling a strategic move as the program prepares for the 2026‑27 campaign.
A Global Talent Joins the Waves
The 6‑4 guard, hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, brings a blend of domestic success and international exposure to Malibu. After a standout season with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, where the team captured the league championship, Sahar is poised to contribute immediately.
His résumé includes participation in the U19 World Cup and the Euro U20 Championships, where he helped Israel finish seventh and top its group with a perfect 3‑0 record. In the recent Euro U20 tournament, Sahar leads his nation in scoring, averaging 14 points per game while also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out 4.7 assists.
Sahar's professional trajectory has been marked by steady progression. He began his senior career with Maccabi Tel Aviv‑Shoham in the second division before earning promotion to the senior squad. In the 2025‑26 season he logged 4.6 points per game in limited minutes, shooting 35 percent from three‑point range, before being elevated to the first team.
Beyond club competition, Sahar has represented Israel on the senior stage, contributing to the nation's campaigns in the U19 World Cup and Euro U20 Championships. His performances have drawn attention from collegiate programs in the United States, culminating in his commitment to Pepperdine.
A Strategic Fit for the Waves
Griff Aldrich, head coach of the Waves, highlighted the international perspective Sahar will bring. “Oren’s experience in high‑pressure environments and his proven ability to score at the highest levels of European basketball align perfectly with our ambitions,” Aldrich said. The coaching staff believes his playmaking and shooting will deepen the team’s depth and versatility.
The signing also underscores Pepperdine’s expanding global recruitment strategy, which has previously attracted talent from diverse basketball ecosystems. By integrating Sahar into its roster, the university aims to enhance both on‑court performance and its brand presence in international markets.
Sahar will join the team in Malibu for preseason training, where he will adapt to the NCAA schedule and the university’s academic demands. Fans can expect to see him in action when the Waves open the 2026‑27 season against non‑conference opponents in November.