Tomer Ginat Recommits to Hapoel Tel Aviv, Eyes Stronger Role
Tomer Ginat, captain of Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club, has signed a contract extension through 2030, but with an opt-out clause each summer. This reflects his desire to remain with the team he considers home while ensuring he doesn't repeat last season's experience of limited playing time due to injuries and tactical decisions. Ginat, 31, is set to begin his ninth season with the club, which includes a two-year stint in France, starting with the EuroLeague opener against Bayern Munich in Sofia.
Last season was challenging for Ginat, marked by injuries and reduced minutes, leading him to question his role. He discussed his importance to the club with coach Dimitris Itoudis but received no professional guarantees, nor did he request them. Ginat is now focused on competing for playing time in a deep roster built for EuroLeague success. He also addresses the team's relocation to Sofia, the competition for minutes among Israeli players, and the departure of his close friend Yam Madar to rival Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In an exclusive interview, Ginat expressed his frustration with last season, citing the ongoing conflict and the team's relocation as exhausting factors. He admitted he "wasn't good enough" at times and felt he deserved more opportunities, but ultimately felt Hapoel Tel Aviv is his home and is happy to stay for four more years, hoping to win titles. The opt-out clause, he explained, is to keep his options open given the team's high aspirations and the uncertainty of playing time, as well as his personal needs as a new father.
Ginat believes the club's efforts to retain him were a combination of his significance to the team and their inability to afford losing another prominent Israeli player. He feels valued by the ownership and coaching staff and is confident he will contribute significantly when healthy. Coach Itoudis has assured Ginat of his importance, emphasizing that Hapoel Tel Aviv and Tomer Ginat are inseparable and encouraging him to fight for his spot.
Addressing the perception that Israeli players join Hapoel Tel Aviv for money and accept bench roles, Ginat disagreed, stating that Israeli players are talented and believe in themselves. He acknowledged that Israeli players are playing fewer minutes due to the team's EuroLeague ambitions and the need for results. Ginat reflected on his own situation last season, explaining that his injury in November disrupted the team's rhythm and led to increased minutes for others, including Jonathan Motley at the power forward position. Despite the frustration of not playing when he felt he could help, he received his EuroLeague playing opportunities.
He described the difficulty of sitting on the bench, especially when the team was winning without him, calling it a "shock." Ginat stressed the importance of remaining positive and supportive of the team, even when not playing, acknowledging that it's not easy. He also commented on the club's owner's remarks about needing naturalized players after a derby loss, stating that the goal is to win and that the team must trust the decisions made by management. Regarding the team's relocation to Sofia instead of staying in Israel like other clubs, Ginat expressed his belief that Hapoel Tel Aviv should be based in its home city to connect with its fans.
Ginat also shared his disappointment with teammate Elijah Bryant being seen getting a haircut during a game, deeming it inappropriate. He also spoke about the departure of Yam Madar to Maccabi Tel Aviv, calling him a "little brother" and expressing personal sadness over the decision, though he respects it. Finally, Ginat emphasized the importance of not underestimating the Israeli league and the need for a shift in attitude, treating league games with the same importance as EuroLeague matches. He expressed hope for a different ending to the season, believing the team has the talent and motivation to succeed and sees himself potentially finishing his career at Hapoel Tel Aviv.
