Meet Brandon Lieb, Tallest Player in Israeli Basketball League
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Brandon Lieb, a 2.16-meter center with dual American-Israeli citizenship, has joined Hapoel Eilat, becoming the tallest player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He aims to be valued for his personality and team relationships as much as his height.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Brandon Lieb, 2.16m, is the tallest player in Israel's basketball league.
- He holds dual American-Israeli citizenship and plays for Hapoel Eilat.
- Lieb values team relationships and being a positive presence.
- Other tall players include Bakon, Milicic, and Viznitzer.
- Gabi Chachashvili is the tallest native Israeli player.
Brandon Lieb, a 24-year-old American-Israeli center standing at 2.16 meters, has joined Hapoel Eilat in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, making him the league's tallest player. Lieb spent five years playing college basketball, split between the University of Illinois and Illinois State University, though he missed the entire 2024-25 season due to injury.
Lieb expressed that beyond his height, he wants to be known as a person who is enjoyable to be around, emphasizing the importance of relationships with teammates and coaches. He stated that these connections are a significant part of what makes basketball special to him.
In his debut for Hapoel Eilat, Lieb scored 9 points without missing a shot and grabbed 8 rebounds in 18 minutes during a loss to Hapoel Holon in the Winner's Cup. He believes his height provides advantages in defense and rebounding, as well as in offense where he can score over defenders. His main challenge, he noted, is guarding quicker, lower-profile guards who excel at dribbling.
Other notable tall players in the league include Brendan-Madali Bakon (2.15 meters) of Ironi Kiryat Ata, Dusan Milicic (2.14 meters) of Hapoel Jerusalem, and naturalized player Gabe Viznitzer (2.11 meters) of Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona.
The tallest native Israeli player is Gabi Chachashvili of Hapoel Jerusalem (2.10 meters), who is returning from a serious injury. Emri Kagan, also 2.10 meters, has signed with Bnei Herzliya. Gilad Levi, previously the tallest Israeli, is now playing college basketball in the US.