Hapoel Tel Aviv Chairman Discusses Return Home and Player Departures
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv Chairman Stav Shaham celebrated the team's return to the Shlomo Group Arena after two years, marking the occasion with a victory and a significant fan turnout. Shaham discussed efforts to mend relationships with fan groups and addressed concerns about limited playing time for Israeli players in the EuroLeague, attributing it to injuries and the team's competitive needs. He also commented on player Yam Madar's departure to Maccabi Tel Aviv, downplaying Madar's impact on Maccabi's championship aspirations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to the Shlomo Group Arena after two years, celebrating with a win and nearly 1,700 fans.
- Chairman Stav Shaham aims to reunite the team with its community and heal rifts with fan groups.
- Shaham cited injuries to top Israeli players as a reason for their limited EuroLeague minutes.
- He stated the team prioritizes fielding its best 12 players for EuroLeague success.
- Shaham downplayed Yam Madar's impact, calling him a good but not top EuroLeague player.
Hapoel Tel Aviv has returned to its home arena, the Shlomo Group Arena, after nearly two years of playing at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Club Chairman Stav Shaham expressed his excitement about reconnecting with the team's fans, noting that nearly 1,700 spectators attended the recent game, creating a "huge celebration." The team marked its homecoming with an 81-67 victory over Maccabi Ashdod. Shaham stated his goal in taking the position was to "bring the community home" and that progress is being made in healing rifts with some fan groups after years of conflict.
Shaham also addressed the limited playing time for Israeli players in the EuroLeague, explaining that the team's top three Israeli players, Ginath, Timor, and Blatt, were unavailable due to injury for the last two games. He emphasized that Hapoel Tel Aviv is a "top EuroLeague team" and that while he hopes for more Israeli participation, the team prioritizes fielding its 12 best players to compete for wins, not just participation.
Responding to fan dissatisfaction with the team's current EuroLeague roster, Shaham acknowledged that some fans felt disconnected but noted that many tuned in when the game was close. He asserted that the team aims to win and needs its strongest players. When asked if player Yam Madar's move to Maccabi Tel Aviv was related to coach Dimitris Itoudis or the status of Israelis on the team, Shaham stated that while Madar is a good EuroLeague player, he is not a "top EuroLeague player" capable of leading Maccabi Tel Aviv to a championship, a goal Hapoel Tel Aviv also pursues.
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