Ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv Guard Dowtin Jr. Calls Israel Stint 'Culture Shock' Due to War
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Former Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Jeff Dowtin Jr. described his time with the Israeli team as a "culture shock" due to the war, frequent travel, and playing home games abroad. Now playing for Napoli in Italy, Dowtin is performing well, averaging 18 points and 7.3 assists in his first three games. He also praised his new coach and expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete at a high level.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Jeff Dowtin Jr. called his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv a "culture shock" due to the war and logistical challenges.
- Dowtin is now playing for Napoli in Italy, averaging 18 points and 7.3 assists in his first three games.
- The American guard cited frequent travel and playing home games outside Israel as mentally and physically draining.
- He enjoys life in Naples, describing the city as beautiful and its atmosphere as calm.
- Dowtin sees himself as a vocal leader and "second coach on the floor" for his new team.
- He praised Napoli's coach for his demanding and detail-oriented approach.
Jeff Dowtin Jr., who left Maccabi Tel Aviv last summer for Italy's Napoli, described his time in Israel as a "very unusual experience" and a "culture shock" due to the ongoing war. The American guard, now playing successfully in Italy, told "Gazzetta dello Sport" that the conflict, frequent travel, and playing home games outside of Israel were mentally and physically draining.
Dowtin, 29, who previously played in the NBA and G League, found a quick fit with Napoli. In his first three Italian league games, he averaged 18 points and 7.3 assists. He recently scored 19 points, including a decisive three-pointer, in a win against reigning EuroCup champion Bourg.
He also spoke about his positive adjustment to life in Naples, enjoying the city, its food, and its calm atmosphere, which he finds mirrors his own personality. Dowtin emphasized his role as a vocal leader and "second coach on the floor" for his new team.
He praised Napoli's coach, Jasikevicius, as "completely different" and "great," noting his demanding, detail-oriented approach. Looking ahead to a game against Olimpia Milano, Dowtin expressed confidence in his team's readiness to prove they are among Italy's best.
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