Israeli Basketball Icon Laban Mercer Hospitalized After Medical Scare
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli basketball legend Laban Mercer, 67, was hospitalized after a medical incident, prompting him to urge others to prioritize their health and attend regular check-ups. Mercer, who played 14 seasons in Israel for Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv, credited his wife and father for encouraging him to seek medical attention. He also served in the IDF and later worked in sports administration in the U.S.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli basketball legend Laban Mercer, 67, was hospitalized after a medical incident.
- Mercer urged fans to prioritize their health and attend regular medical check-ups.
- His wife and father encouraged him to seek medical attention, leading to hospitalization.
- Mercer played 14 seasons in Israel, winning multiple championships and MVP awards.
- He became an Israeli citizen and played for the national basketball team.
Israeli basketball legend Laban Mercer, 67, was recently hospitalized following a medical incident that prompted him to urge others to prioritize their health. Mercer shared that his wife and father encouraged him to seek medical attention after he visited an emergency clinic, which then referred him to the emergency room.
Despite maintaining an active lifestyle, including swimming and weightlifting, Mercer emphasized the importance of regular check-ups. He expressed gratitude to God and his wife for ensuring he sought medical care, stating, "Men, take care of yourselves!" He further advised his followers, "Friends, please make sure to attend your medical check-ups and appointments, so we don't become the end of our line."
Mercer, considered one of the most recognizable foreign players in Israeli basketball history, arrived in Israel after being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1980 NBA draft but chose not to play in the league. He played for Hapoel Tel Aviv for eight years and Maccabi Tel Aviv for six, totaling 14 seasons in the Israeli league. During his career, he was named the league's MVP in the 1980-81 season, won five championships and five cups, and reached the European Cup final with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 1989. He also became an Israeli citizen and played for the national team.
Beyond his playing career, Mercer served in the IDF for two years. After returning to the U.S., he earned a degree in behavioral sciences and later worked at Spelman College in Georgia as the women's team coach and athletic director.
