Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Katash Discusses Team's Challenges Ahead of Besiktas Clash

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Turkish club Besiktas in Belgrade, seeking their first EuroLeague victory after an opening loss to Villeurbanne. The team, which includes four former Maccabi players on its roster, is looking to improve its performance early in the season. Guard Keifer Sykes stated that the team has much to learn and needs to connect better, acknowledging his own need to adapt to European basketball and the EuroLeague. He emphasized the coach's call for aggression, both defensively and offensively, and better decision-making.

Coach Oded Katash confirmed that John DiBartolomeo will not travel with the team due to his brother's wedding, and injured player Gor Lavi is also out. Katash expressed frustration about playing away from Israel, calling it a difficult start to the season. He noted that while their opponents may not be top EuroLeague teams, the games are challenging and require a more physical approach than the team has shown so far.

Katash urged his team to utilize their depth and be more aggressive, describing a lack of "nastiness" in their character. He stressed the necessity of winning the upcoming game, especially with two tough matchups following. "We need to be much better," he stated, adding that they are experimenting with players in various situations.

Player Jalen Reynolds echoed the sentiment about playing away from home, highlighting the difficulty of double-game weeks. He agreed with Katash that games should be played in Israel, expressing hope for a swift return. Reynolds believes the team needs to play together for the full 40 minutes, focusing on defense and energy to secure a win.