Hapoel Jerusalem got rid of the veterans
Hapoel Jerusalem got rid of the veterans
One of the most promising squads of the last year campaign in the Basketball Champions League, Hapoel Jerusalem made some big changes during this summer. They have rejuvenated completely their roster, parting ways with the veterans Amar’e Stoudemire, Yogev Ohayon and Lyor Eliyahu. These 3 players cumulated a lot of NBA and Euroleague experience on the court, but it seems that their bodies were too tired to compete at the highest level.
The Israeli powerhouse ended as well the contracts of Josh Owens, Chris Johnson and their last addition of the 2018-2019 season: Demetrius Conger in order to rebuild a new formula. Instead of the Ohayon and Eliyahu, they brought in other 2 young local players: Idan Zalmanson and Nimrod Levi, both 24 years old and having plenty of skills.
The signings of the Suleiman Braimoh, Isaiah Cousins and former Eurocup player Trent Lockett was a good move for the Israeli club who will fight again to be a title contender in the BasketballCL. Last year their journey was stopped in the playoffs when Iberostar Tenerife gave them any chance. This year Hapoel Jerusalem in the new rejuvenated formula can reach the Final 4.
Not only the newcomers are very talented but also the core of the players remained from the last season is strong. Tamir Blatt, who 2 seasons ago was the best assist-man in the BasketballCL, together with Tashwn Thomas, who had the highest percentage of the entire competition from the 2 point range last year will orchestrate again the offensive show of the Israeli superteam. Let’s not forget the presence of the ex-Euroleague star James Feldeine, the speedy guy J’Covan Brown and the local product Bar Timor, all of them, players with experience and clutch.
The new acquisitions are proving that Hapoel Jerusalem is ready for the next season of the BasketballCL, trying to improve their previous performances.
Photo credit: championsleague.basketball
Gratian Cormos
