Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Oded Katash Welcomes EuroLeague Officials

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a dominant 120-93 victory over Hapoel Galil Elyon in their opening game of the 2026/27 Israeli Basketball Premier League season. The team displayed a strong performance, particularly in the first half, with exceptional shooting percentages contributing to the lopsided score.

Following the game, coach Oded Katash expressed satisfaction with his team's readiness and defensive intensity, noting that their performance mirrored their recent EuroLeague play. He highlighted the importance of the win as they head into a challenging double-week schedule. Katash also addressed the presence of senior EuroLeague officials at the game, stating that their visit reassures them that Israel is no more dangerous than destinations like Dubai. He expressed a desire for a return to normalcy and hoped the officials' experience would influence a decision to bring EuroLeague games back to Israel.

He stressed the need for continued building and self-belief.

Conversely, Hapoel Galil Elyon coach Idan Avshalom reflected on the difficult first half for his team, acknowledging it as a new experience for many of his players. While they managed to respond in the second half, they were unable to execute their game plan effectively. Avshalom expressed confidence in his team's ability to improve and perform better in future matchups, emphasizing the importance of character and resilience during challenging times.