New Ashdod Basketball Coach Dan Katzir Focuses on Wins, Not Age

Maccabi Ashdod is returning to the Israeli Basketball Premier League after a six-season absence, with Dan Katzir set to lead the team as head coach. This marks Katzir's first season coaching in the top league.

In an interview with Sport 5, Katzir, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in three days, addressed his age, stating, "There have been precedents. I don't deal with my age or the age of others. I have a team, a group of people here that I need to lead to victories." He emphasized the team's focus on winning, noting, "There's nothing else, no left or right, we need to win." Katzir highlighted the team's hard work and the need for fan support.

Katzir described the team's current stage, about a week into training, as a period of getting to know each other professionally and personally. He acknowledged the significant challenge ahead, with the first official game just a week away. "For us, there's an element of preparation games. We will use this time to make adjustments for other teams, to connect, and of course, we will need to compete starting next week," he said.

Regarding aspirations, Katzir stated the goal is to train as well as possible and approach every game as if it were a cup final or championship decider. He aims to rally the city and its fans behind the team. Katzir expressed satisfaction with the squad, which includes players at various stages of their careers, some nearing the end, others at the beginning, and some at their peak. The team has assembled a diverse roster of players from different backgrounds and parts of the world, a variety Katzir sought and is pleased with.