Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Oded Katash Seeks Improvement After Dominant Win

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured an easy 109-61 victory over Ironi Kiryat Ata, advancing to the Winner Cup semifinals where they will face Hapoel Jerusalem. The win came after a disappointing EuroLeague opening loss to Villeurbanne.

Despite the lopsided score, head coach Oded Katash expressed dissatisfaction with his team's performance, particularly in the first quarter, which he described as having too many turnovers and lacking automatic execution. "There are things I expected us to do better already," Katash stated, noting that the team played more simply and effectively after the first quarter. He emphasized the need to integrate new players like Kithon Wallace and Daniel Theis, suggesting they need to be placed in more comfortable situations.

Katash also reflected on past seasons, where Maccabi sometimes won close games without impressive play, contrasting it with their current need to adapt to the aggressive and intense style of the EuroLeague. He stressed that even the basic plays need to be executed at a much higher level.

Daniel Theis, who led Maccabi with 15 points, acknowledged the win but admitted he is still finding his rhythm and place within the new system. "I need to find my place and my rhythm, this is a new system for me," Theis said, adding that he needs to be aggressive and contribute by blocking and scoring as needed.

Both Katash and Theis highlighted the lessons learned from their EuroLeague opener, recognizing the need for stronger, more prepared play from the very first minute against top European competition.