Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Addresses Pierre Henry's Arrival Amidst Controversy
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Oded Katash confirmed that guard Pierre Henry will arrive for a tryout, despite a lengthy suspension for doping violations that prevents him from playing official games until January 2027. Henry is expected to join practices this Friday, November 13. The team has had a poor start to the season and will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final tomorrow.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Guard Pierre Henry will join Maccabi Tel Aviv for practices despite a 48-month doping ban ending January 2027.
- Coach Oded Katash stated the decision to bring Henry for a tryout was planned long before the current season.
- Henry is expected to arrive in Israel this week and start training with the team on Friday, November 13.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv has a 2-8 record in the EuroLeague and faces Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final tomorrow.
- Henry's suspension began in January 2023 for violating FIBA doping regulations.
Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Oded Katash addressed the recent news regarding the upcoming arrival of guard Pierre Henry for a tryout, stating that he had "heard noises" but that the plan was made long in advance. Katash explained that his connection with Henry dates back to the previous year and that he and Claudio Coldebella have a good relationship with the player. He clarified that discussions about strengthening the team with a new guard were separate from this arrangement and that he hopes to announce a signing soon.
Maccabi Tel Aviv announced the surprising move yesterday, revealing that Henry, who has not played in four years, would join the team for a tryout. Henry is currently serving a significant suspension of 48 months, imposed in January 2023 for violating FIBA doping regulations. This ban means he cannot participate in official games until January 13, 2027.
Despite the ongoing suspension, Henry is expected to arrive in Israel this week and begin training with the team on Friday, November 13. While he will be available for practices under coach Katash, he will not be eligible for official matches until his suspension concludes in early 2027. The team has had a difficult start to the 2026/27 season, with a 2-8 record in the EuroLeague and a 2-2 record in the Israeli league. They are set to face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final tomorrow, aiming to end their losing streak and secure another title.
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