Dan Orutho Declines Israeli National Team, Aims for EuroLeague Final Four

American center Dan Orutho, following a successful debut season with Hapoel Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, has expressed his ambition to reach the Final Four in the upcoming 2026-27 season. In an exclusive interview, Orutho discussed the team's recent Super Cup loss, acknowledging the need for improvement and emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and collective effort from his "excellent team" this year. He noted the significant increase in team roster size compared to the previous season.

Orutho also addressed his connection with Hapoel's owner, Ofer Yana, praising his vision for the club and aligning with the players' desire to bring glory back to Hapoel Tel Aviv. When asked about the possibility of playing for the Israeli national team, Orutho stated it was "not close at all" and that he would "never" play for any national team. He explained that while he heard about the interest, his life circumstances, being away from the US for 10 months a year and having Nigerian heritage, made it difficult. He clarified that his refusal was due to the logistical challenges and time commitment, not a lack of desire to represent Israel, stating he told Yana it would be "hard" given his situation.

Reflecting on his career, Orutho admitted to thinking about what might have been if he had stayed in the NBA, a dream he still holds and believes he can achieve, aiming for a return at age 27. He expressed satisfaction with his current role at Hapoel Tel Aviv, focusing on maximizing the opportunity. Orutho also spoke about his strong bond with teammate Elijah Bryant and praised coach Itoudis for his supportive and demanding coaching style. He feels he is not yet at his desired level but is driven by the desire to prove himself on the court, believing he is among the top centers in Europe.

Orutho revealed that the positive environment, including the ownership, management, coaches, and locker room, was the key factor in his decision to extend his contract for three years. He acknowledged the clause in his contract that allowed him to avoid coming to Israel during wartime but stated he never expected to use it and felt safe upon his return. He emphasized his commitment to Hapoel Tel Aviv and is ready to compete for a Final Four spot, believing the team has what it takes to succeed.