Hapoel Tel Aviv Player Believes He Can Lead Team Anywhere

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured their first local league win of the season against Hapoel Beer Sheva/Dimona after a late surge. Player Eugene German, who led the team with 20 points, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their physicality and execution. "We came and played strong as a team, we were very physical. We executed on both sides," German stated. He added that he feels good and confident in his current position, working hard to prove himself nightly.

When asked about his leadership potential for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli league, German responded, "I feel that I can lead the team anywhere as long as they believe in me, my confidence is high, and we continue to push forward." Regarding his playing time in the EuroLeague, he mentioned staying ready for when the coach calls upon him, and that he is enjoying his time in Israel and Tel Aviv.

Coach Itoudis commented on the team's start, aiming for an aggressive approach and largely maintaining seriousness throughout the game. Despite missing long rebounds, he noted that most rebounds came after good defense. He praised the team's 21 assists to 9 turnovers and points scored after forcing turnovers, but expressed dissatisfaction with a 14-point lead shrinking to 2 at the end of the third quarter after substitutions. Itoudis specifically commended Eugene German's impactful plays, not just scoring but also facilitating for others.

Itoudis also reflected on the team's EuroLeague participation, noting that reaching the playoffs last year allowed them to compete again this season. He expressed pride in Hapoel Tel Aviv's growing status and the challenges involved. The coach also voiced his satisfaction with efforts to bring EuroLeague games back to Israel, praying for continued peace and hoping for the swift return of games to Tel Aviv, emphasizing the club's demonstration that playing in the city is acceptable.