Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Former Star Wilbekin in Crucial EuroLeague Clash

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to play a crucial EuroLeague home game against Besiktas in Belgrade on Wednesday, seeking their first win of the season after an opening loss to ASVEL. The team faces a challenging "double week" schedule, with another tough road game against Panathinaikos in Athens following this match. Coach Oded Katash emphasized the need for increased aggression and physicality from his team, stating they need to be "a little meaner" to compete at the highest European level, especially after allowing 15 three-pointers in their previous game.

The Israeli club will be without captain John DiBartolomeo, who is in the United States for his brother's wedding. T.J. Leaf is expected to make his EuroLeague debut for Maccabi, while Jalen Adams, returning from a hip injury, is anticipated to play a more significant role. Key players Bonzie Colson and Keion Brooks Jr. are under pressure to elevate their performance, particularly in scoring and defense, as they adapt to their roles within the team.

Besiktas, returning to the EuroLeague after a 13-year absence, is also looking for their first win after a narrow opening loss to Valencia. The Turkish team boasts four former Maccabi Tel Aviv players, most notably Scottie Wilbekin, who will be facing his former club for the first time. Other ex-Maccabi players on Besiktas include Ante Zizic, Vannoin Gabriel, and David Dedovic. The team is coached by Dusan Alimpijevic, who was named EuroCup Coach of the Year last season.

Guard Jalen Adams expressed the team's determination to make Belgrade feel like home during their "exile" from playing in Israel due to security concerns. He voiced hope for a return to playing in front of their home crowd soon.