Latest news with #Euroleague
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hapoel Tel Aviv boosts squad with former Euroleague stars
Hapoel Tel Aviv continues to strengthen its roster with star players, aiming to conquer the country and potentially make a historic run in Europe. 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.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Euroleague CEO Motiejunas reaffirms commitment to pair of Israeli teams
'I think in the upcoming season we focus on three main elements: growth, stability, and purpose,' Motiejunas began. The 2025/26 Euroleague season is still three months away, but the continent's biggest basketball competition has already made several changes for the upcoming campaign, to the delight of many fans. CEO Paulius Motiejunas discussed a myriad of topics regarding what to expect. Advertisement From new teams in new countries to an expanded schedule, as well as the latest news concerning Israel's two participants – Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv – Motiejunas touched on it all. The league will expand from 18 to 20 teams this season, adding four more games to each team's schedule. Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai have joined the Euroleague, while Valencia will also be part of the competition, moving over from the EuroCup. The first Euroleague team from the United Arab Emirates enters with a five-year contract, while Valencia has been granted a three-year deal. Hapoel Tel Aviv joins the league after winning the EuroCup this past season. 'I think in the upcoming season we focus on three main elements: growth, stability, and purpose,' Motiejunas began. 'We announced that we're going to 20 teams next season. It's a huge step for us as a competition. It doesn't seem like much, but it's also a geographical expansion. It's more games in total. More games for the teams. But it's a well-thought-out and calculated decision. We really look forward to that.' Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas. (credit: Euroleague/Courtesy Sports) 'We took a brave decision last season to move the Final Four outside the European market. We're really happy with the outcome we had. We opened new markets. We opened the market in the Middle East even more with Dubai joining the competition.' Advertisement Qualifiers will face conflicts With more games comes a scheduling challenge that will include a number of 'Double Weeks,' and the FIBA International Windows for qualifiers will also face conflicts. 'We're shifting the games to Tuesday–Thursday in November to keep that window open for international games. We analyzed doing that in February as well, but then we have to deal with the domestic cups. After cup competitions, some countries' teams play three games in four days and finish on Sunday. If we play games on Tuesday–Wednesday, players would be playing four or five games in six days. It's physically impossible. We're taking into account the Euroleague Players Association, the teams, and doctors. The expansion decision was made after calculating everything.' 'We've shown flexibility, and we want to continue doing so. We mentioned that to FIBA. We'll remain flexible about bringing back the February window. It was impossible this season. It's unfortunate that so many things add up. I really believe we will find a solution. We'll try. We all have to look in the same direction – domestic leagues, federations, and so on.' Advertisement Talks about NBA creating a European league There has been recent talk about the NBA creating a European league, and Motiejunas acknowledged meetings with the Euroleague on the topic. 'We had a very constructive meeting with the NBA. We heard in Adam Silver's press conference that the project will probably be moved from 2026 to starting in 2028. We're trying to understand the plan and the opportunities they're exploring. What we don't want is fragmentation. That's the main thing we need to avoid. We should care about the fans and the product. 'The other message we keep saying is that we are open to collaboration. There's no need to create a new league. The Euroleague is open to working together. I really believe the only chance to move forward is to focus on what the clubs have already created here. I truly believe – and I know – we have the best European product. I don't see why anyone would try to create something new when we could instead work together to unlock opportunities. We are open to collaboration.' Advertisement Status for Israeli teams in new season Motiejunas also addressed the situation regarding the Israeli teams and their status for the new season, given the war with Iran and the conflict with Hamas that began on October 7, 2023. 'I'm happy we have quite some time until the start of the season. Being optimistic, we believe the situation will settle and peace will come. We've said the same with Ukraine. We continue to monitor the situation. The main thing is safety – safety of teams and fans. We're going to keep watching. As of now, we plan for the clubs to play in neutral venues. If the situation doesn't calm down, we'll make decisions to protect teams, fans, players, coaches, and everyone around the game.' 'I'd need psychic powers to see the future. But I really can't imagine a scenario without Israeli teams. It's Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv, and also Hapoel Jerusalem in the EuroCup. Our main priority is safety. Our advantage is time, and we have to be optimistic. We are in touch with all other sports organizations and FIBA. We're analyzing what FIBA will do. Hopefully, everything becomes calmer and safer. Step one is playing in neutral venues. Step two, if there's peace and safety, is returning to home arenas. We must respect the fans in each country and for each team. That's a priority.' As for the Tel Aviv Derby potentially being played in Israel, even if other games are abroad, Motiejunas didn't shut the door on the idea. Advertisement 'Openly, right now it's quite difficult to imagine. But hoping and being optimistic, yes. We would analyze that opportunity. I really miss the atmosphere of seeing Israeli fans in a full arena. It's as simple as that. I can't wait to see it again. The Hapoel Tel Aviv owner talked a lot about it. I remember how wonderful the atmosphere was in Maccabi's arena and I truly miss it. Seeing it, experiencing it – it's one of the best places to watch basketball.' Three-year licenses in Euroleague The two Serbian clubs, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade, were each granted three-year licenses in the Euroleague – but not permanent ones – despite their massive fan bases and the unparalleled excitement they bring. 'The Serbian clubs have been part of the Euroleague for many years. Whether we see them as permanent, or what decisions will keep them beyond the three years, of course, we'll work on that. But we also need to consider clubs like Valencia, Virtus Bologna, Monaco, and others that want to be part of the Euroleague permanently. When I say permanently, the first on the list is Paris Basketball. We've had discussions with them about becoming a permanent member.' Advertisement 'Monaco is still playing as a former EuroCup champion,' Motiejunas continued, referring to the Principality's team, which currently doesn't have a long-term Euroleague contract. 'This is one more year where we have two EuroCup clubs – Hapoel Tel Aviv and Monaco. That's why we're focused on this season as it is. Rest assured, we deeply value what Monaco and its owner have done. We're in talks with the club. We see them in the league long-term. Step by step. There's no doubt they'll remain in the Euroleague for many years. They have one more year under the previous rules as EuroCup champions. We didn't want to change that; we wanted to follow the rule instead of extending the contract.' 'But this is still pending, and we'll continue discussions. We're optimistic about keeping them in the Euroleague after 2025/26. We see Monaco in the Euroleague long-term. If they want to be here permanently, of course they need an arena. We won't commit – and clubs won't commit – based on promises or discussions alone. We as a league are here to help them get the process going however possible. Now we must work hand in hand with the timing.' Final Four in Abu Dhabi The 2025 Final Four took place in Abu Dhabi, and it might not be the last time the league's crown jewel is held in the Middle East. Advertisement 'We'll make the decision much faster than we did last year. Last year was an exception. We return to Europe in 2026, and then we have an option to return to Abu Dhabi in 2027. Everybody is very satisfied with Abu Dhabi. The feedback is that it was the best Final Four. We're in talks with them on how to make the next one even better – because that was just the first one.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ranking 4 best Bradley Beal destinations once he completes Suns buyout
The post Ranking 4 best Bradley Beal destinations once he completes Suns buyout appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Phoenix Suns appear headed for a reset, and as part of that, Bradley Beal is reportedly nearing a buyout that would stretch $96.9 million over five years, freeing up cap space. Advertisement Even after trading Kevin Durant and his $54.7 million salary, the Suns remain above the second apron. That limits them to minimum deals and re-signing their own free agents. Cody Martin was waived to cut costs, while Tyus Jones (Magic) and Mason Plumlee (Hornets) have departed. Their lone signing, Euroleague standout, Nigel Hayes-Davis, hasn't played in the NBA since 2018 and may struggle for minutes in a crowded wing rotation. Meanwhile, With Beal not drawing any trade interest, the Suns appear ready to move on and do a buyout. He is expected to draw significant interest once he hits free agency since he can sign for less money. Here are Beal's four best landing spots, ranked from most ideal to least ideal. 1. Miami Heat – scoring, stability, and flexibility Pat Riley's next move might just heat things up again. Beal in South Beach? It makes sense. The Heat are in transition, having missed out on both Durant and several other marquee names in recent years. Still, they remain hungry for scoring and veteran leadership. A short-term deal for Beal provides exactly that without compromising Miami's cap flexibility heading into 2026. Advertisement The Heat already passed on Beal's massive contract during Jimmy Butler trade talks. Now that he's available on a likely minimum or midlevel deal, though, the math changes. Beal can take pressure off a young roster that lacks consistent shot creation and potentially thrive in Erik Spoelstra's system. His arrival could be the spark Miami needs to remain competitive while rebuilding on the fly. 2. Los Angeles Lakers – bench boost and familiar faces Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Don't sleep on the Lakers. They may not have made a big splash yet this summer, but they're in the market for experienced scoring, especially off the bench. Beal averaged 17.0 points last season. That means he's hardly washed. He could certainly provide instant offense for a second unit that often stalls when LeBron James, Luka Doncic, or Austin Reaves sits. Advertisement Crucially, Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks knows Beal well from their time in Washington. That's where Beal made two of his three All-Star appearances. That familiarity might be key in helping Beal rediscover rhythm and confidence. A bench role on a contending team with strong leadership and a defined culture? It might be just what Beal needs at this stage in his career. 3. Milwaukee Bucks – a Lillard-sized hole to fill Milwaukee needs a new scorer. Beal could be the perfect low-cost solution. The Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard caught everyone off guard. Now, they're left with a glaring need in the backcourt. Beal may not have Lillard's explosiveness, but he offers reliable scoring and floor spacing. That's exactly what Milwaukee needs to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. More importantly, Beal will come at a fraction of the cost. He could really help the Bucks stay under the tax apron while still addressing a vital need. With Myles Turner in tow to shore up the defense, Milwaukee's focus should shift to finding guards who can create and convert. Beal fits that bill and could see a resurgence playing alongside a perennial MVP candidate in Giannis. Advertisement 4. San Antonio Spurs – veteran voice for a rising power San Antonio may not scream 'win-now,' but don't overlook them. The Spurs boast a dynamic young core led by Victor Wembanyama, 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper. Beal wouldn't just be a scorer here. He'd be a veteran mentor helping shape the future of the franchise. Interestingly, KD reportedly included San Antonio on his list of preferred destinations before landing in Houston. If the Spurs were good enough for KD to consider, why not Beal? With a talented young roster on the rise, Beal could play meaningful minutes and help this team accelerate its timeline toward playoff contention. Related: What Heat wants to see Kasparas Jakucionis limit in Summer League Related: Kel'el Ware's advice to Kasparas Jakucionis after rough Heat Summer League games
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Maccabi Tel Aviv reveals former European basketball star as new GM
Maccabi's new veteran Italian GM is tasked with rebuilding the yellow-and-blue amid war-related challenges, while still aiming for all in Europe. Maccabi Tel Aviv officially welcomed new general manager Claudio Coldebella to the club at a festive press conference held at the Maccabi Hall of Fame at Yad Eliyahu. The 57-year-old Italian arrives in Israel with a wealth of experience, having held the same position at a number of teams in Italy as well as in Russia. Advertisement While the yellow-and-blue ended last season tied with Hapoel Jerusalem at one game apiece in the league championship best-of-3 series that never came to a proper end due to the outbreak of the war with Iran, the mission that Coldebella has been tasked with is clear: build the best possible squad within the confines and restrictions that Maccabi is currently under. The past two seasons saw Oded Katash's team have to play all of the Euroleague home games in Belgrade because of the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, and this season looks to be heading the same way, with Maccabi having to play abroad yet again. Coldebella, who starred as a player in Italy and Greece, was well aware of the challenges that the club has been facing and those they will also have to deal with in the future. But first and foremost, he began his remarks by addressing the most important issue on the minds of most Israelis – the hostages still being held in Gaza. 'I want to start by saying that I look forward to the return of the hostages. We all want to see them come home. When I arrived in Tel Aviv in April, I immediately understood how special basketball is in this country and to this club in particular. I didn't want to disturb the professional team that was very focused on its goals last season, but I did take the first steps in how to organize the club.' 'This is a special club,' Coldebella continued. 'I feel so special and very proud and lucky to be here, and I am grateful to those who gave me the chance to be at such an important club. As a player, I played many times in Yad Eliyahu – it is a place that has changed a lot from what it was before. This is my first day, and it is very exciting for me. This is a great responsibility that I put on my shoulders – to do my best for the club.' Advertisement Claudio Coldebella arrives with a clear vision and years of first-level experience Coldebella will want to put his own mark on the team with fresh and new ideas and thoughts, as he is coming into the job after having had a very successful two-year run at Pallacanestro Reggiana. 'As an Italian, it was not easy for me to come here. The last two years were not easy for the fans and the team either. Now, I have a goal to revive the atmosphere again, and we need to return as soon as possible to play at home. I have a lot of passion to start new things. I am here to present my philosophy and ideas, but the main idea is simple – to continue the legacy of this club. It has the DNA of winners, and even with all the problems we had last season, the club always tries to present the best basketball and to never give up. That is the first goal we have to take care of.' 'For several months now, my team and I have been trying to create a way for the team to improve from last season. We are sure that we are facing a difficult season. European basketball continues to develop, and we must build the team to be competitive. We need to bring players who fit the spirit of Maccabi, players who are able to give their best for this legendary club and then implement the physical and tactical ideas with the coach and the professional staff. From the first day I met the team, I had a great feeling because I felt that we could do beautiful things together. We will have a good future if we know how to do things together. I believe that you can do good things only if you know how to work with other people by your side – from the management, the owners, the fans – all of the people who surround this club.' Advertisement With that, Coldebella will have to not only put together a team that can compete in the local domestic league against the likes of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem, but also in the Euroleague, which has expanded to twenty teams and 38 games from 34 in previous years. The key will be to find the best players to fit the team and its personality – not necessarily the fanciest and most expensive names on the market. 'This club has shown more than once that it knows how to find the right players, and the first name that comes to mind is Devin Smith, who was an underrated player – maybe not the hottest name on the market, but a special player who showed how this club is able to find players and give them the platform to perform. In sports, it's not necessarily the team that has the most money that wins; there are so many things that make the difference. I can say that we want players who will build a competitive team, and there is still a lot of work to do.' Coldebella will need to find a number of players for the 2025/26 roster, and with training camp set to open in a little over a month, he has his work cut out for him. But as he explained, there is still plenty of time to do what needs to be done for Maccabi to be a force to be reckoned with. 'I am optimistic and very positive. I know what we have now, and I know that we need to build carefully. The market this year can move very quickly at the beginning of the offseason, and I see a lot of signings, but in our situation, of course, it is not easy. June 13th, which was the start of the war with Iran, was not easy for us, and it was difficult to sign players during the war. We continued to work – it was not the time to sign new players, but it increased the strength of the club for me. Especially when you sleep in the parking lot because you are close to the center of Tel Aviv, where it is dangerous. I don't want to judge anyone – we are talking and trying to find solutions within our family.' Advertisement Rokas Jokubaitis was the player that Coldebella was referring to, and there have been multiple reports that he is looking to sign with another Euroleague club and leave Maccabi due to the unfortunate experiences he faced during the recent war. However, the Lithuanian guard is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the yellow-and-blue, and the club wants to see him continue in Tel Aviv. 'Every time Rokas played, he did it with full passion, and his connection with the club and the fans was special. At this time, I can tell you that there is controversy about Jokubaitis's future. We need to see what direction this will go in the upcoming days. For some of our players, the situation in Israel was not easy. I don't want to judge anyone.' Many of the fans have been vocal about the lack of big-name signings and held a protest outside of the arena before Coldebella's introduction. However, instead of the Italian being upset, he welcomed their concern for the club and offered his thoughts on finding the right players. 'I think it's an important issue, and as an Italian, we are similar to Israelis – everyone wants to show their feelings. The fans are the most important thing. We know what it was like the last two years when we were without our fans by our side. I understand the passion, the hunger, and the expectations, and I think that's a positive thing. But we must not forget the way the league ended. We are looking for these names. I think TJ Leaf is a great one, and we are working – we are trying to make our fans happy and proud, and I am convinced that we will do that.' Advertisement Coldebella continued: 'Signing players so that it appears on Twitter or Instagram is not my way. TJ Leaf is a name that was a focus of ours from last season, and I'm glad we were able to sign him. The fact that we have him as an Israeli player is a great thing. He's a top Euroleague player, and this is a first step. I was very impressed by the level of the Israeli league. I look at this league and it has good players and smart coaches – it's an excellent league. The Israeli players are very important, and we're lucky to have the best coach like Oded Katash. We have to continue growing in this way.' Just prior to ending the hour-long session, Coldebella returned to the main issue that has plagued Maccabi the past couple of years, which is not playing Euroleague home games in Tel Aviv, with the hope that this will happen in the near future. 'Tel Aviv is our home – that's what the club is called. Personally, I don't like hearing about a club that doesn't play at its home, and we need to play in Tel Aviv. Last season we were in Belgrade, and we need to find a way to get back to Tel Aviv. It's an amazing city. I love Belgrade, but in the winter I prefer Tel Aviv.'
Al Etihad
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Dubai club coach attends pre-season meet of EuroLeague Basketball
2 July 2025 22:59 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)As Dubai Basketball club prepares for a historic foray into EuroLeague Basketball, coach Jurica Golemac got to rub shoulders with his counterparts to prime up before their teams commence their rivalries on the second-most popular league in basketball held its annual workshops in Barcelona, with coaches gathering to continue the collaboration, open dialogue, and future-focused planning with the league's most influential three teams added and one team dropped for the upcoming season, the rookie representatives at the gathering, including Golemac, shared their excitement at being part of the new environment. 'The EuroLeague is the best competition in Europe and everybody wants to be a part of it,' Golemac said. 'It's very important to have these meetings, even more than once a year. It helps the organisation, the players, the referees and the coaches. And the fans!'The workshop was opened by Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga, who reflected on a remarkable 2024–25 season and thanked the coaches for their contributions to the continued growth of the competition.'I would like to congratulate everyone for the amazing season that we finished, also to the teams who qualified for the Final Four [held in Abu Dhabi in May], especially to Sarunas [Jasikevicius] and his season winners, Fenerbahce,' stated Dejan were outlined the organisation's strategic vision moving forward on sustainable growth, product quality, and deeper engagement with fans across digital platforms. 'Once again, we have taken the EuroLeague a step forward, celebrating record attendance, television and digital audience with an outstanding Final Four in Abu Dhabi, showing once again the Euroleague's tremendous potential to grow beyond its traditional markets,' stated Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO.
