Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Coach Oded Kattash Aims to Overcome Slow Starts

As Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club approaches the 50th anniversary of its most turbulent and ultimately triumphant season, the current team faces its own challenges. Coach Oded Kattash is entering his fifth consecutive season, a rarity for the club, and is determined to avoid the "hump" of slow starts that have plagued previous campaigns. In the past four seasons, Maccabi has consistently begun with poor win-loss records, leading to speculation about Kattash's job security, despite the team's eventual strong finishes, often narrowly missing the Final Four.

This season, however, Kattash appears to have a stronger foundation. The team has made significant additions, including "stoppers" in the paint and a physical frontcourt with the return of Bonzie Colson, who can score with his back to the basket and contribute to offensive rebounds. Despite these improvements, the article notes that Maccabi's guard play currently lags behind top European competition, which is crucial for deciding games.

Kattash's ability to lead the team effectively in crucial moments, especially if new addition Keiton Wallace needs time to adapt to European basketball, remains a question. Another significant unknown is when, or if, Maccabi will return to its dominant home-court form, having not lost at home since May 2023.

The article also highlights the progress of Israeli player Yovel Zoosman, who is taking on a more prominent role in his fifth attempt to lead a EuroLeague team. After mixed success with previous clubs, Zoosman appears confident, though he may face physical challenges against larger guards. His playing time could also be affected by the return of another player, Clark.

Looking ahead to a specific upcoming game, Maccabi faces ASVEL in France, a team they have not lost to on the road in a long time. The article notes that ASVEL is dealing with injuries and a recent loss, making the game a potential "minefield" for Maccabi, who have more to lose given their historical dominance in this matchup.