Hapoel Tel Aviv Cautious Ahead of Anadolu Efes Clash
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv faces Anadolu Efes in Bulgaria for a EuroLeague game, aiming to extend their three-game winning streak after a domestic league loss. Coach Dimitris Itoudis noted the Turkish team's changed identity following Mike James' injury, but stressed his team's ability to win if they meet their standards. Key matchups include Dario Šarić for Anadolu Efes against Hapoel's Zach Leday and Jacob Toppin. Kadeem Carrington is the sole Israeli player in Hapoel's European roster.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv seeks to extend their three-game EuroLeague winning streak against Anadolu Efes.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis stated Hapoel can beat any opponent if they meet their standards.
- Anadolu Efes' star Mike James is out for the season with a severe injury.
- Dario Šarić is expected to lead Anadolu Efes' offense after returning from the NBA.
- Zach Leday and Jacob Toppin will be key for Hapoel Tel Aviv's defense.
- Kadeem Carrington is the only Israeli player on Hapoel's European roster.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is looking to rebound from a domestic league loss and extend their three-game winning streak in the EuroLeague when they face Turkish powerhouse Anadolu Efes on Wednesday. The Israeli team, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, will play in Botvgrad, Bulgaria, for the eighth round of the competition. Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to solidify their position near the top of the standings with a victory.
The team traveled to Bulgaria shortly after casting their votes in Israel's general election, accommodating players' requests to vote in person. Itoudis has selected a 13-player roster for the game, which is the first of a double-round week that includes a later match against Dubai. Notably, only one Israeli player, naturalized citizen Kadeem Carrington, is in the European rotation, with Tomer Ginat and Bar Timor being left out.
Anadolu Efes, also coming off two consecutive wins, has been impacted by the season-ending injury to star player Mike James. The offensive leadership is now expected to fall to Dario Šarić, who returned to the EuroLeague after nine seasons in the NBA. Šarić, a versatile player known for his shooting, basketball IQ, and passing, previously played for Anadolu Efes from 2014 to 2016.
Hapoel Tel Aviv plans to counter with a physical and intense approach, featuring Zach Leday, recognized as one of Europe's top forwards for his relentless play, shooting, and offensive rebounding. Jacob Toppin is expected to provide significant support, particularly in defending Šarić and locking down the paint, as he demonstrated in a previous game against Virtus Bologna.
Coach Itoudis acknowledged Anadolu Efes as a creative team blending experience with young talent. "They have changed their identity after Mike James' injury, but they have a talented squad that presses the ball and plays at a high pace," Itoudis stated. "We are in a good place in the EuroLeague, and if we meet our standards, we can beat any opponent." Player Josh Wainwright added, "This is our job, we have an excellent medical team preparing us. Our goal is to land the first punch, play our game, and secure a spot at the top of Europe. We obviously want to win every night, and if we maintain our focus, things will look exactly as we expect."
Mentioned
