Ex-Coach Gershon Criticizes Micić's Shot Selection Despite Hapoel Tel Aviv Win

Former coach Pini Gershon has voiced criticism regarding Vasilije Micić's decision-making during Hapoel Tel Aviv's recent 81-80 victory over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. While Micić hit two crucial three-pointers in the game's final moments, Gershon argued that Micić's overall three-point shooting percentage of 33% did not justify taking 14 attempts from beyond the arc.

Gershon, speaking on the "Al HaBuzzer" podcast with Ofir Guba Gross, highlighted Elijah Bryant as the team's most important player due to his consistency, contrasting him with the perceived instability of Micić and Antonio Blakeney. Despite Micić's late-game heroics, Gershon suggested that a top-tier coach like Željko Obradović would not permit such shot selection, emphasizing a stricter approach to player development and decision-making on the court.

He drew parallels to the mental fortitude of athletes like Michael Jordan and Roger Federer, who, despite high miss rates, maintained confidence in their next shot or play. Gershon noted that Micić demonstrated this level of mental toughness by taking the critical shots even after previous misses, a trait he believes is characteristic of elite players who perform in high-pressure situations.