Rafi Menco Left Out of Hapoel Emek Squad Amidst Professional Disagreements

Rafi Menco, a player for the Israeli national basketball team, was once again excluded from the Hapoel Emek squad for their recent loss against Galil Elyon. Although Menco dressed for a prior practice game due to an injury to teammate Lucas Goldberg, he was not included in the official roster for the latest match. Sources within Hapoel Emek indicate that Menco has been training separately from the main team and has been instructed to arrive early for gym sessions with younger players. This situation arises from disagreements within the professional staff regarding Menco's status, with some members advocating for his inclusion and playing time. Hapoel Emek, however, stated that Menco receives the same conditions and facilities as other players. The club is reportedly awaiting an offer from another team willing to take on Menco and cover his full salary, estimated at approximately $300,000. Earlier this month, Hapoel Emek's professional manager, Yonatan Alon, told Sport Channel that Menco is not part of the team's professional plans, acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation while respecting the player's contract.