Forward JJ Kaplan Signs with Hapoel HaEmek Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Hapoel HaEmek, which finished sixth last season in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, announced the signing of 29-year-old forward JJ Kaplan on June 27, 2026. Kaplan, who played last season for Maccabi Rishon LeZion, averaged 7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Prior to that, he spent three seasons with Ironi Kiryat Ata, where in the 2024/25 season he averaged 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
The team's head coach, Sharon Avrahami, praised Kaplan's fit with the team, noting that he played under Avrahami for three seasons previously. Avrahami described Kaplan as a fighter, defender, and team-oriented player who matches the club's DNA. He expressed confidence that Kaplan would integrate well and significantly contribute to the team's goals in the upcoming season.
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