Hapoel Holon Signs T.J. Holyfield on Temporary Contract Amid Injury Crisis
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Holon has signed forward T.J. Holyfield on a temporary contract due to multiple player injuries. The 31-year-old American is expected to join the team immediately after medical tests. Holyfield brings experience from leagues in Taiwan, Japan, Germany, and Finland, with averages of 11.2 points and 8 rebounds last season. Coach Predrag Krunić praised his versatility and defensive capabilities, while the club's manager highlighted his immediate potential contribution.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Holon signed forward T.J. Holyfield on a temporary contract due to injuries.
- Holyfield, 31, averaged 11.2 points and 8 rebounds last season in Taiwan.
- He has prior experience in Japan, Germany, and Finland.
- Coach Predrag Krunić praised his defensive and offensive versatility.
- The club needed to quickly replace injured foreign big men Greg and Brandon.
Hapoel Holon announced on Thursday the signing of forward T.J. Holyfield, 31, on a temporary contract to address a spate of injuries hitting the team. Holyfield, who stands at 2.03 meters, is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday and join team practices after completing his medical tests.
Last season, Holyfield played for Pauianer in Taiwan, averaging 11.2 points and 8 rebounds per game. Prior to that, he spent two seasons with Yamagata in Japan's B2 League, where he posted averages of 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.6 steals. His European career began in Finland with Karkkila before moving to Germany's Oldenburg, where he played for two seasons, including in the BCL.
Holyfield concluded his college career at Texas Tech, averaging 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Before Texas Tech, he played three seasons at Stephen F. Austin, where he was a leading player and was twice selected to the All-Defensive team.
Coach Predrag Krunić described Holyfield as a team player capable of playing both forward positions, possessing strong defense, good passing and rebounding skills, and the ability to shoot from both two and three-point range. Daniel Revitz, the club's professional manager, added that Holyfield is an experienced and smart player who can quickly contribute his experience. Revitz noted Holyfield's mobility, strong defense, and offensive versatility, including good shooting and passing abilities. He emphasized the urgency to react to the recent injuries of foreign big men, Greg and Brandon, and expressed satisfaction with this short-term addition.
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