Yotam Hanuchi Focuses on Israeli National Team After Limited Club Playtime

After a challenging season with limited playing opportunities at Hapoel Jerusalem, forward Yotam Hanuchi is turning a new page with the Israeli national basketball team. Hanuchi received a call-up from coach Ariel Beit Halachmi for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Croatia, aiming to seize the chance to prove himself.

Hanuchi described the positive atmosphere within the national squad, stating, "The feelings are good. We have been working together for a week and a half, enjoying being together and wanting to succeed. The last game was very tough and left a mark against the Germans, and we hope to make a correction. What distinguishes this team is its aggressiveness and intensity. We want to bring that from the first moment."

Addressing the absence of several players from the roster, which some perceive as a burden for those who do attend, Hanuchi emphasized, "We don’t focus on who isn’t here, but on who is. Those here want to be here and will give 100%."

Reflecting on his recent months at Hapoel Jerusalem, Hanuchi expressed a desire for a more significant role: "I feel I could have played more and wanted to contribute more, but that is behind me now. There is another season ahead. Now I am focused on the national team."