European Champion Alex Tyus Among Top Players Dropping to Second Division
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
More than 20 players from Israel's top basketball league have moved to second-division National League teams this summer, including prominent names with European experience. Notable transfers include former EuroLeague champion Alex Tyus to Hapoel Haifa and Amin Stevens returning to the National League with Ironi Nahariya. Other key players joining the second division are Lotan Amsalem, Gal Bitner, and Riley Albert. These players are expected to be central figures for their new teams, with some aiming for a return to the top league.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Over 20 players from Israel's top basketball league have moved to the second-division National League this summer.
- Former EuroLeague champion Alex Tyus, 38, has joined Hapoel Haifa in the National League.
- Amin Stevens returns to the National League to play for Ironi Nahariya, aiming for promotion.
- Lotan Amsalem, 20, joins M.K. Ofek Darom seeking a leading role after reduced playing time.
- Gal Bitner is expected to be the starting point guard for Maccabi Rehovot.
- Riley Albert, previously with Maccabi Tel Aviv, will play for Maccabi Ra'anana in the National League.
Over 20 players who competed in Israel's top basketball league last season have moved to National League (second division) teams this summer. Among them are several with significant experience in top European clubs and the Israeli Premier League, expected to be key players for their new teams.
Alex Tyus, a 38-year-old former EuroLeague champion with Maccabi Tel Aviv and veteran of clubs like Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes, has joined Hapoel Haifa. This marks his fourth stint in Israel and his first in the National League. Tyus is considered a major acquisition, and his importance was evident when Hapoel Haifa suffered their only preseason loss in a game he missed due to an ankle injury. Despite his age, Tyus is anticipated to be a standout player in the league.
Lotan Amsalem, 20, has joined M.K. Ofek Darom, a move anticipated for years. After seeing his playing time decrease in the Premier League, Amsalem will now have a significant role, aiming to be a leading player and potentially return to the top league next season. His toughness and aggression are expected to bolster Ofek Darom, though his shooting percentages will need improvement.
Gal Bitner, a young guard, is set to be the starting point guard for Maccabi Rehovot. After playing limited minutes in the Premier League, Bitner will seek more playing time and development in the National League, bringing energy and intensity to his new team.
Riley Albert, who signed a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2025 but did not find his place in the top league, is now with Maccabi Ra'anana. Albert, who was previously loaned to Hapoel Galil Elyon, will experience European basketball for the first time and is expected to be a key Israeli player if he can achieve consistency.
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 significant contributor for Maccabi Rishon LeZion last season, averaging 14.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. His experience, intelligence, and understanding of the game make him one of the most prominent foreign players expected in the league this season.
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