Top Players With European Experience Join Israel's National League
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Over 20 players from Israel's Premier League have joined National League teams this summer, including several with European experience. Notable signings include EuroLeague winner Alex Tyus with Hapoel Haifa, Lotan Amsalem with M.K. Emek Yizrael, Gal Beitner with Maccabi Rehovot, Riley Albert with Maccabi Ra'anana, and Amin Stevens with Ironi Nahariya. These players are expected to be central figures, aiming to make significant impacts in the second division and potentially return to the top league.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Alex Tyus, a EuroLeague champion, has joined Hapoel Haifa in Israel's National League.
- Over 20 players from the Premier League have moved to National League teams this summer.
- Lotan Amsalem seeks a key role with M.K. Emek Yizrael after reduced playing time.
- Gal Beitner is set to be the starting point guard for Maccabi Rehovot.
- Riley Albert joins Maccabi Ra'anana after failing to secure a spot in the Premier League.
- Amin Stevens returns to the National League to help Ironi Nahariya's promotion bid.
Over 20 players who competed in the Israeli Premier League last season have moved to National League teams this summer. Among them are several with significant past experience in top European clubs. The article highlights five prominent players expected to be key contributors to their new teams in the second division.
Alex Tyus, a 38-year-old veteran who won the EuroLeague with Maccabi Tel Aviv and played for clubs like Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes, is joining Hapoel Haifa. This marks his fourth stint in Israel and his first in the National League. Despite his age, Tyus is anticipated to be a standout player, having demonstrated his importance in preseason games where Hapoel Haifa's only loss occurred when he was sidelined with an ankle injury.
Lotan Amsalem, a 20-year-old forward, has joined M.K. Emek Yizrael after previously playing in the Premier League. He opted for a more significant role in the National League after his playing time decreased in the top division. Amsalem is expected to bring toughness and aggression to his new team, which reached the semifinals last year, with hopes of returning to the Premier League next season.
Gal Beitner, a young guard, will play for Maccabi Rehovot in the National League, a different path than many youth players who typically progress through lower leagues. After playing limited minutes in the Premier League for Kiryat Ata, Beitner is set to be the starting point guard for Maccabi Rehovot. His energy and intensity are valued, though improvements in his professional skills are also expected.
Riley Albert, 25, joins Maccabi Ra'anana after signing a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2025 and not finding his place in the Premier League. He was previously loaned to Hapoel Galil Elyon and will now experience European basketball for the first time. Albert is described as a positive player eager to learn and improve, with a versatile skill set that could help Ra'anana compete for promotion.
Amin Stevens, a 35-year-old forward, returns to the National League to help Ironi Nahariya aim for promotion after a six-year absence. Stevens was a key player for Maccabi Rishon LeZion last season, averaging 14.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. Known for his experience, stability, and game understanding, he is considered one of the most prominent foreign players in the league this season.
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