Mike Carter, Hapoel Holon Star, Dies at 71
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Mike Carter, a celebrated former basketball player for Hapoel Holon, died Saturday at age 71 due to complications from a medical procedure. Known as "The Madman" for his passionate play, Carter had a long career in Israel during the 1980s and 90s, playing for multiple teams including Hapoel Holon, Hapoel Kiryat Gat, Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Ramat Gan. He maintained strong ties to Israel even after retirement and his son Ben also played professionally in the Israeli league.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mike Carter, a star for Hapoel Holon in the 1980s and 90s, has died at age 71.
- Carter passed away on Saturday due to complications from a medical procedure.
- He was known as "The Madman" for his passionate and energetic style of play.
- Carter played for multiple Israeli teams throughout his career, including Hapoel Holon, Hapoel Kiryat Gat, Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Maccabi Ramat Gan.
- He maintained close ties to Israel and Israeli basketball after his retirement.
- His son, Ben Carter, also played professionally in the Israeli league.
Mike Carter, a prominent basketball player for Hapoel Holon in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 71. Reports indicate Carter suffered organ failure following complications from a medical procedure. The Winner League and its teams expressed sorrow over his death, noting his deep connection to Israel and Israeli basketball. Carter, who played most of his career in Israel, earned the nickname "The Madman" for his passionate play on the court. Even after retiring, he maintained close ties to the country, frequently visiting and making his home in Las Vegas a gathering place for those connected to Israeli basketball.
Carter first arrived in Israel in the 1982/83 season, recruited by coach Arie Libinik to Hapoel Holon. Alongside teammates like Israel Alimlech and Moti Daniel, he averaged 19.4 points per game, helping Holon reach the league's semi-finals. Standing at 2.04 meters, he was a forward known for his soft shooting touch, even from beyond the arc, and his energetic play earned him his signature nickname at the "Pain Arena" (Ha'Pahim Arena).
After two seasons with Holon, Carter played for Hapoel Kiryat Gat, Maccabi Netanya, and Hapoel Jerusalem. In 1989, he joined Maccabi Ramat Gan, winning the League Cup with them. He concluded his playing career with three final seasons at Hapoel Holon, retiring in 1995. Carter later returned to Israel as an assistant coach to Brad Greenberg for the US team at the Maccabiah Games, where his sons Ben and Tim also played. His son Ben followed in his father's footsteps, playing in the Israeli league for Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Eilat.
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