Gal Shmith Discusses Move to Hapoel Jerusalem, Croatian National Team

Gal Shmith, a recent acquisition for Hapoel Jerusalem and a naturalized player for the Croatian national team, has expressed his hopes of contributing to the team's success in the EuroCup and their pursuit of a EuroLeague spot. In a recent interview with Basketballsphere, Shmith shared insights into his move to Jerusalem and his career journey.

Having played in five different countries, Shmith noted that his PlayStation 5 is always the first item unpacked. He reflected on his time in Germany, stating it taught him to be more sociable and enjoy the present moment, acknowledging the uncertainty of future opportunities. When asked about standing for the Croatian anthem, he spoke of contemplating the sacrifices made for national independence, both in Croatia and America.

Shmith also discussed his efforts to help restore the reputation of Croatian basketball, describing it as a challenging but exciting endeavor. Despite not being drafted and starting in Germany's second division at 22, he admitted to still comparing himself to peers, finding motivation in competition. He highlighted his first significant financial act as helping his wife complete her master's degree.

Regarding his two-year contract with Hapoel Jerusalem, the longest commitment since his time in Berlin, Shmith cited a desire for stability and security, especially with his family accompanying him. However, he acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of the sport, stating, "I have a contract for two years, but they can cut me in the middle of the season." His greatest fear, unrelated to basketball, is feeling helpless.