Maccabi Tel Aviv Players Urge EuroLeague Officials to Return Games to Israel
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv players met with EuroLeague officials, including CEO and Competition Manager Diego Gian, to advocate for the return of games to Israel. Players like Lonberg and Bonzie Colson expressed concerns about family safety but also highlighted the security provided by the Iron Dome and their desire to play in Israel. The officials attended games in Tel Aviv as part of their visit. The club is working to convince the league that the security situation is stable enough for international games to resume.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv players urged EuroLeague officials to return games to Israel, citing security reassurances.
- Player Lonberg stated family safety is paramount, but their return signifies happiness to be in Israel.
- Oshey Brissett described the benefits of playing and training in Israel compared to traveling.
- Bonzie Colson cited the Iron Dome as a key factor in his decision to return to Israel.
- EuroLeague CEO and Competition Manager Diego Gian attended games in Tel Aviv.
Maccabi Tel Aviv and other Israeli basketball clubs are actively seeking the return of EuroLeague and EuroCup games to Israel. A significant step was taken when EuroLeague CEO and Competition Manager Diego Gian visited Israel, attending a Maccabi Tel Aviv game at Bloomfield Stadium and a EuroCup opener at Menora Mivtachim Arena. During their visit, the EuroLeague CEO and Gian met with Maccabi Tel Aviv players, who presented arguments to convince the officials that the security situation in Israel is calm.
Player Lonberg emphasized personal safety concerns, stating, "As a parent, I would never take the risk of bringing my family, especially my son, into a situation that is not 100% safe." He added that while basketball is a passion, family security is paramount. Lonberg also noted that their choice to return to Israel signifies their happiness to be there.
Oshey Brissett, who extended his contract over the summer, described the difference between being on the road and being home in Israel. He highlighted the ability to sleep better, conduct extra training sessions, and spend time with the club and families during their two months at home, indicating a preference for playing in Israel.
Bonzie Colson, who left Israel due to the war and returned this summer after two years, credited the Iron Dome missile defense system for providing a sense of security. He mentioned that the assurance that the Iron Dome would intercept any threats was a key reason for his return, adding that Ami Biton had reassured them that everything would be fine.
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