Mike Carter, Beloved Israeli Basketball Import Known as 'The Crazy One,' Dies at 71
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Mike Carter, a beloved and influential foreign basketball player in Israel known as "The Crazy One," died Saturday at age 71 from organ failure. Carter played 13 seasons in Israel from 1982 to 1995, scoring 2,433 points and leaving a legacy with Hapoel Holon and other teams. He maintained strong ties to Israel after his career, and his son Ben became an Israeli citizen and played for the national team.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mike Carter, a celebrated foreign basketball player in Israel, died Saturday at 71.
- Known as "The Crazy One," Carter played 13 seasons in Israel, scoring 2,433 points.
- He was a fan favorite for Hapoel Holon, becoming a historical icon for the club.
- Carter was noted for his unique skills as a tall player with long-range shooting ability.
- His son, Ben Carter, became an Israeli citizen and played for the national team.
Mike Carter, a celebrated and influential foreign basketball player in Israel, passed away on Saturday at the age of 71 due to a severe medical complication that led to organ failure. His death has deeply saddened the local sports community, particularly fans of Hapoel Holon, where he is remembered as a historical icon.
Carter's connection with Israeli fans began in the 1982-83 season when he joined Hapoel Holon under coach Arie Malinik. Playing in the famously intense "Tin Can" arena, Carter quickly became a fan favorite due to his boundless energy, tenacious defense, and unforgettable personality, earning him the nickname "The Crazy One." His popularity made him a local hero, forging a lasting bond with the Holon supporters.
Professionally, Carter was ahead of his time. Despite his height of over two meters and playing inside positions, he possessed a soft shooting touch and impressive long-range accuracy, a rare skill for big men during that era. He played 13 seasons in Israel's top league, from 1982 to 1995, scoring 2,433 points and ranking among the top foreign scorers of all time.
Beyond his memorable stints with Hapoel Holon, Carter also played for Maccabi Kiryat Gat, Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan, leaving a significant impact on each club with his leadership and passion. After retiring, Carter maintained close ties to Israel, serving as an assistant coach to Brad Greenberg for the U.S. team at the Maccabiah Games, where he coached his sons, Tim and Ben Carter.
The Carter family's basketball legacy continued in Israel with his son Ben, who became an Israeli citizen, played in the Premier League for Hapoel Eilat, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and was called up to the Israeli national team. Mike Carter's passing marks the end of a nostalgic and significant chapter in Israeli basketball history, remembering a unique foreign player who captured the hearts of a generation of fans.
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