David Roddy Eyes EuroCup Title, Praises Teammates in Hapoel Jerusalem Debut

American forward David Roddy, 25, is embarking on his European basketball journey with Hapoel Jerusalem, aiming for a EuroCup championship that would secure a spot in the elite EuroLeague. Roddy, who previously played in the NBA, expressed his belief that the more physical European style of play will suit him well, highlighting his versatility across multiple positions.

Roddy sees his move to Israel as the right time for his career and is motivated by the club's ambition to win the EuroCup and reach the EuroLeague. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the NBA but found the transition smoother than expected due to strong support from the club and his personal network. His ultimate goal remains a return to the NBA, but he is focused on improving daily with Hapoel Jerusalem.

He spoke highly of his reunion with former Memphis teammate Kenny Lofton Jr., calling him "the best show in town." Roddy also emphasized the leadership of Jared Harper, despite Harper's current injury, and expressed surprise at the consistent performance of teammate Yuval Sussman. Roddy finds his faith crucial for maintaining balance and perspective amidst the ups and downs of professional basketball.

Roddy is excited to explore Israel's holy sites, noting that Jerusalem's historical significance was a factor in his decision to join the team. He feels safe and welcomed in Israel, dismissing concerns about the security situation. He also praised coach Sasa Obradovic for granting players freedom on offense and highlighted the passionate Hapoel Jerusalem fanbase as a unique aspect of the Israeli league.

Roddy believes Hapoel Jerusalem has the talent, coaching, and support to win the EuroCup, describing the competition as one of the toughest in recent years. He also mentioned former teammates now playing in Israel, including Daniel Otuoto of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Kithon Wallace, who recently signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv.