Hapoel Tel Aviv boosts squad with former Euroleague stars
Hapoel Tel Aviv continues its ambitious roster overhaul ahead of its historic debut Euroleague season, with two significant additions reinforcing its backcourt: Chris Jones and Tyler Ennis.
Both guards bring Euroleague experience, proven production, and familiarity with Israeli basketball – qualities the club is banking on as it aims to compete at the highest level in both European and domestic competitions.
Jones, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, is expected to join the red side of Tel Aviv after three seasons with Valencia in Spain's Liga ACB. Hapoel was quick to move once it became clear that Valencia did not intend to keep the American guard, despite his having a year left on his contract. Jones had previously faced Hapoel in the EuroCup semifinal last season, averaging 10.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in that series.
During the 2024/25 EuroCup season, the 32-year-old posted 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in under 20 minutes per game. In the Spanish league, his output was nearly identical: 10.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
His consistent production and poise make him a valuable asset for head coach Dimitrios Itoudis, as Hapoel builds a squad capable of surviving the Euroleague's brutal grind.
Ennis, meanwhile, returns to Hapoel Tel Aviv after a previous short stint with the club during the 2023/24 Israeli season.
He originally joined as an injury replacement and helped lead the team to the Winner League Finals, where they fell to Maccabi Tel Aviv. His performances were strong, and he expressed a desire to remain in Israel; however, family circumstances – including the birth of his child during the Iron Sword war – prompted his departure.
Ennis now returns on a two-year deal, fresh off a season with Venezia in the EuroCup, where he averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. Venezia made it to the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Gran Canaria – the same team Hapoel would go on to defeat in the final.
'I'm very excited to be back at Hapoel Tel Aviv and to be part of the club's historic Euroleague journey,' Ennis said. 'Hapoel is a special club. The last time I left, I wrote on social media, 'until next time' – and I meant it. I can't wait to see the fans again. Yalla Hapoel!'
Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to take everything this season
Coach Itoudis emphasized the enthusiasm and purpose Ennis brings.
'We followed Tyler all season long. I had in-depth conversations with him about the role he'll have on this team, and it's clear he's motivated and passionate. His desire to return to Hapoel was obvious. We're thrilled to welcome him back.'
Sporting director George Chinas added: 'We're delighted to have Tyler back in our family. He combines top-level playmaking with elite decision-making. He's also a remarkable personality, and we look forward to working with him again.'
Ennis, 30, was a first-round NBA draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2014 and went on to play for several NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
In Europe, he's played for clubs like Fenerbahce, Tofaz, Turk Telekom, Napoli, and Venezia. In his first stint with Hapoel, he appeared in 12 games and averaged 14.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during the playoffs. This time, he hopes to help lead the club not just to another final – but to a championship.
With Jones and Ennis in the fold, Hapoel Tel Aviv sends a clear message: it isn't content just making the Euroleague – it plans to compete.
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