Maccabi Tel Aviv Opens EuroLeague Season with Full Squad, High Hopes

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to begin its EuroLeague season on Thursday, facing Villard-de-Lans in France. This marks another year where the team will play its home games abroad, a situation that presents significant professional and morale challenges. The team traveled with approximately 100 fans, aiming to provide strong support for the players in their opening game.

There is considerable optimism within the club, with a feeling that this season represents a better starting point than previous years, following a summer of team building. The aspirations are reportedly more competitive and achievement-oriented.

Coach Oded Katash will have a full roster available, with the exception of Gur Lavi. Daniel Theis, Ozzie Presser, and Jaron Blossomgame have all recovered from their respective injuries and participated in full practices. However, there is still uncertainty regarding Blossomgame's participation, as his injury was more complex, and the team is considering whether he needs additional rest. The final decision will be made shortly before the game.

Following a significant derby win and securing the season's first title, the club expects consistency and is keen to see how the team, built around returning players and new additions, will perform. Players like Lorenzo Brown, Yam Madar, and Kithon Wallace are expected to make their EuroLeague debuts for Maccabi, while Bonzie Colson returns to a potentially more significant role.

Daniel Theis, who was previously close to joining Tony Parker's team but moved to Tel Aviv due to financial difficulties, carries high expectations based on his resume. The team views the first game as crucial, aiming for a winning start to the European season, a stark contrast to last year's poor opening. "We feel we have a good squad, good chemistry, and most importantly, that we stay as healthy as possible. This will affect the course of the season and how we look in every game."

Despite ongoing ownership disputes that are being kept out of the locker room, the team is focused on the season. Additionally, the possibility of relocating home games from Serbia to Cyprus is being explored by the club.