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 joins the team after playing the previous season with Maccabi Rishon LeZion, where he averaged 7.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Prior to that, he spent three seasons with Ironi Kiryat Ata, posting averages of 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in the 2024/25 season.

The signing reunites Kaplan with Hapoel HaEmek's coach Sharon Avrahami, under whom Kaplan played for three seasons. Avrahami praised Kaplan's fit with the team, saying, "JJ played three great seasons with me and fits perfectly with our DNA. He is a fighter, a defender, and has a team-oriented mindset. I am confident Kaplan will integrate well and contribute significantly to achieving our goals." The club is preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 season with this key addition to their roster.