Foreign Coaches Surge in Israeli Basketball League, Sparking Concern
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The Israeli Basketball Premier League has seen a record number of five foreign coaches this season, raising concerns about the status and opportunities for Israeli coaches. While some see it as a move to elevate European competition, others believe it undermines local talent and lacks protective regulations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli Basketball Premier League features a record five foreign coaches this season.
- This trend reverses a previous dominance of Israeli coaches.
- Top teams are increasingly hiring foreign coaches for potential European success.
- Concerns are raised about the impact on Israeli coaching talent and opportunities.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv remains the only top team with an Israeli coach.
The Israeli Basketball Premier League is experiencing a significant increase in foreign coaches this season, with five non-Israeli head coaches leading teams, a record in recent years. This trend marks a reversal from previous seasons where Israeli coaches dominated. Dimitris Itoudis at Hapoel Tel Aviv, Predrag Krunic at Hapoel Holon, and Paul Corsaro at Ironi Ness Ziona were present last season, and they are joined this year by Sasha Obradovic at Hapoel Jerusalem and Dag Spadeli at Hapoel Be'er Sheva. With Ness Ziona expected to contend for the top spots and Holon also potentially in the upper half of the standings, four out of the five leading teams will have foreign coaches. Maccabi Tel Aviv, led by Oded Katash, is the sole exception among the top teams.
While economic factors previously limited the hiring of foreign coaches, the situation has changed. Itoudis reportedly earns over $1 million per season, and Obradovic's annual contract is around $700,000. Veteran coach Guy Goodes expressed concern, stating that the influx of foreign coaches, particularly those not of the highest caliber, undermines the status of Israeli coaches. He argued that regulations in countries like Spain, France, and Italy protect local coaches, a system he believes is missing in Israel. Goodes also noted that foreign coaches can sometimes be less expensive than their Israeli counterparts, despite high salaries for top international names.
Goodes further suggested that there are capable Israeli coaches, citing Amit Sharf who moved to the second division due to the situation. He also pointed out the trend of hiring foreign assistant coaches and fitness trainers. Shmulik Brenner, another Israeli coach, offered a more moderate perspective, suggesting that Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem hired foreign coaches to improve their European standing. He believes there is no inherent lack of trust in Israeli coaches and that the situation will eventually balance out.
Despite the differing views, the rise of foreign coaches has led to discussions about the development and opportunities for Israeli coaching talent within the league.
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