Hapoel Jerusalem Opens Season, Eyes Cyprus for EuroCup Games

Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club officially launched its season Tuesday at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, with owners, staff, players, and sponsors in attendance. The team is set to face Bnei Herzliya in the Winner Cup quarterfinals this Friday and will begin its EuroCup campaign next Tuesday.

Coach Sasa Obradovic expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, stating, "The players understood how great we want to be, there are aspirations here to grow and improve." He noted that while practices have been excellent, the team's game flow is still developing. "We are improving and I am very pleased with this group, it is very easy to coach them, we are building day by day and improving day by day," Obradovic said. Regarding potential new signings, he confirmed the team is considering options, including Serbian player Lorenzo Brown, whom he described as "an excellent player."

Player Yuval Sussman shared his optimism, calling the season opening event "fun" and a way to "connect the people around the club." He confirmed his recovery from a minor injury and readiness to play on Friday. Sussman praised Obradovic's experience and coaching ability, noting that "when he speaks, the players listen to him and are thirsty for this information." He also lauded teammate Jalin Smith as "an asset, a player with very little ego and a lot of desire."

Owner Matan Adelson voiced his satisfaction with the current roster but emphasized the focus on upcoming games. "I am very excited about the start of the season, the sky is the limit for this team. Bringing Sasa Obradovic means we are here to stay and aiming for the highest," Adelson stated. He also addressed the possibility of Hapoel Jerusalem hosting EuroCup games in Cyprus, similar to Maccabi Tel Aviv's potential plan. "Belgrade has advantages and disadvantages. Once we understood that Cyprus was an option, we also held talks. Cyprus has clear advantages over Belgrade. If it is possible, we will do everything to play there," Adelson explained.