Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrated its 58th championship title overnight, after beating Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-1 in the finals series. The club is now preparing for a busy summer, with foreign players and their families expected to begin leaving Israel already on Wednesday evening, after more than 10 months in the country.
The team wants to accelerate signings as early as the coming weekend and believes it could bring in three to four new foreign players. At the same time, it is working to keep three players who do not have contracts for next season, John DiBartolomeo, Tamir Blatt and Iffe Lundberg.
One of Maccabi’s top priorities is Bonzie Colson, whom the club has wanted since early May. Maccabi has made him a significantly improved financial offer compared with what he earned in his previous season in yellow, and Colson has signaled that he wants to return to Menora Mivtachim Arena. However, at least two other clubs have recently entered the race, including Olympiacos, which could complicate the deal.
Maccabi is also seeking a major upgrade at center. The club is considering Richaun Holmes, who was released by Panathinaikos during the past season, but has concerns about his temperament. Other options in discussion are Fenerbahce’s Armando Bacot and Oscar Tshiebwe, who played at Utah. With club executive Claudio Coldebella expected to leave for Roma, head coach Oded Katash and his staff are carrying most of the weight on sporting decisions.
