European Champion Alex Tyus Among Top Players Dropping to Second Division
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
More than 20 players from last season's Israeli Premier League have moved to National League teams, including prominent names like EuroLeague champion Alex Tyus. Tyus, 38, joins Hapoel Haifa, seeking to be a key player. Other notable transfers include Lotan Amsalem to M.K. Ofek Darom, Gal Bitner to Maccabi Rehovot, Riley Albert to Maccabi Ra'anana, and Amin Stevens to Ironi Nahariya. These players aim for more significant roles and potential promotion opportunities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Over 20 players from last season's Israeli Premier League have joined National League teams.
- EuroLeague winner Alex Tyus, 38, is a notable transfer to Hapoel Haifa in the second division.
- Lotan Amsalem joins M.K. Ofek Darom seeking a more prominent role.
- Gal Bitner will be the starting point guard for Maccabi Rehovot.
- Riley Albert moves to Maccabi Ra'anana after struggling to find a place in the Premier League.
- Amin Stevens returns to the National League to help Ironi Nahariya pursue promotion.
Over 20 players who competed in the Israeli Premier League last season have moved to National League (second division) teams this summer, many with prior experience in top European clubs. The article highlights five prominent players expected to be key contributors to their new teams.
Alex Tyus, 38, a EuroLeague winner with Maccabi Tel Aviv and former player for Real Madrid, Anadolu Efes, and Galatasaray, is the most notable name joining Hapoel Haifa in the National League. Despite his age and a recent ankle injury, Tyus is anticipated to be a leading Israeli player in the league, bringing valuable experience from his European career.
Lotan Amsalem, 20, has joined M.K. Ofek Darom, seeking a more significant role after his playing time decreased in the Premier League. His toughness and aggression are expected to bolster his new team, though his shooting percentages will need improvement if he aims to return to the top league.
Gal Bitner, a young point guard, will play his first National League season with Maccabi Rehovot after spending time in the Premier League. His energy and intensity are valued, and he is expected to be the starting point guard, potentially benefiting from the team's foreign big men.
Riley Albert, 25, who signed a three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2025 but didn't find his place in the top league, is now with Maccabi Ra'anana. After a loan spell at Hapoel Galil Elyon, he will experience European basketball for the first time and aims to be a consistent player to help Ra'anana contend for promotion.
Amin Stevens, 35, returns to the National League to help Ironi Nahariya achieve promotion after six years. Stevens was a key player 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.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only N12 so far.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
