Elitzur Ramla Aims for European Success After Summer Overhaul

Elitzur Ramla, a decorated Israeli women's basketball club, is set to begin its EuroCup qualification campaign on Wednesday against Greece's Proteas Voulas. After a disappointing previous season, the team has undergone a significant roster overhaul for the 2025-26 season, aiming to contend for all titles.

Several key players departed, including captain Eden Rotberg and veteran naturalized player Jenni Sims, along with most of the foreign contingent and some Israeli players who moved to college or other teams. The club has brought in new talent, notably rehiring coach Eidan Inbar, who previously led Ramla to a EuroCup title in the 2010-11 season. Inbar expressed excitement about returning to Ramla and the EuroCup, despite the challenge of playing qualification games in Greece due to the inability to host in Israel.

Among the notable arrivals are Israeli stars Shir Tirosh, Alice Hattukai, and Gili Eisner, who were key players for Ramat Gan last season. American forward Imari Thomas and Israeli forward Daniel Rabbani, who has played professionally in Australia and the EuroLeague, have also joined. The team also added American guard Mahurin Carter and Montenegrin center Ana Popovic, who returns to Ramla after 13 years playing in top European leagues and China.

Mikia Herbert-Harigan, who played for Ramla last season before leaving due to the war, is the only significant player remaining from the previous roster. She was highlighted by FIBA as a player to watch in the EuroCup. Ramla reached the Round of 32 last season, losing narrowly to Olympiacos. Voulas participated in the EuroCup two years ago, exiting in the group stage, and finished sixth in the Greek league last season.

Coach Inbar emphasized that while the goal is to compete for all titles, success depends on hard work and humility rather than just declarations. "In Ramla, the goals are always to fight for all the titles, but declarations do not create reality, unlike modesty and hard work," he stated. Shir Tirosh added, "It depends on us, we have prepared for this moment for a long time. It's fun with the girls and there is excellent human material in the team, we can go very far with them."