Pini Gershon Identifies Key Missing Piece for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Pini Gershon stated that the team needs another big man in the paint following their loss to Barcelona. He believes the third-string center needs improvement and praised Bonzi Colson's paint abilities. Gershon also dismissed the idea that former player Lonny Walker is the missing piece, emphasizing the team's current focus on collective play.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Pini Gershon believes Maccabi Tel Aviv needs another big man in the paint.
- Gershon suggested a player of Tyus's caliber or better would be beneficial.
- He stated the third-string center needs to be better than current options.
- Gershon praised Bonzi Colson's paint-play abilities.
- He dismissed Lonny Walker as the missing piece for the team.
- Gershon emphasized Maccabi's current team play and player acceptance of the system.
Former coach and team manager Pini Gershon believes Maccabi Tel Aviv, following their close 90-87 loss to Barcelona, still needs to strengthen their roster. Speaking on the "Al HaBuzzer" podcast, Gershon acknowledged that the current team is an improvement over last season's but pinpointed the center position as an area requiring reinforcement. "The only thing I've already said: in my opinion, we need another big man in the paint," Gershon stated, suggesting a player of Tyus's caliber or better would be beneficial.
Gershon also discussed the rotation at the center position, specifically mentioning Roman Sorokin and Daniel Tyus. He indicated that the third player in this rotation needs to be better, even suggesting that this player could be the primary option, with Tyus and Sorokin serving as backups. He further elaborated on how to better utilize the existing squad, noting that centers like Tyus and Sorokin can shoot from outside, which can create space for Bonzi Colson in the paint. Gershon praised Colson's "amazing" post-up and paint-play abilities.
The discussion also touched upon former Maccabi player Lonny Walker, who is reportedly returning to Europe after a brief stint in Denver. While the possibility of needing a player who can create their own shot was raised, Gershon dismissed the idea that Walker is the missing piece. He explained that coaches, including Oded Katash last season, often dislike players who don't pass the ball or look for extra passes, prioritizing their own scoring. Gershon concluded that the current Maccabi team plays more cohesive team basketball, with players who accept the system and are willing to share minutes.