Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Team Faces Internal Strife Amidst Coaching Controversy
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club is facing internal disputes over coach Dimitris Itoudis's position after a recent EuroLeague loss. Four owners are divided on his future, though one owner, Ofer Yanai, supports him. Tensions also exist between Itoudis and Chairman Stav Shaham, who has criticized the coach. The team's recent performance and player usage have drawn scrutiny as they prepare for upcoming league and EuroLeague games.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv's coach Dimitris Itoudis is facing internal division among the club's owners.
- The team lost its EuroLeague game to Maccabi Tel Aviv, dropping its record to 5-6.
- Coach Itoudis reportedly punched a locker room door in frustration after the loss.
- Chairman Stav Shaham has publicly criticized Itoudis, leading to calls for Shaham's removal.
- Owner Ofer Yanai continues to back coach Itoudis amidst the controversy.
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club is experiencing internal disagreements regarding the future of its coach, Dimitris Itoudis, following a recent EuroLeague loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The team's performance has been inconsistent, with the latest 80-73 defeat in Cyprus dropping their EuroLeague record to 5-6. Coach Itoudis expressed frustration after the game, reportedly punching a door in the locker room and yelling at his players, citing a lack of energy. The team has lost its last three EuroLeague games, leading to criticism of the coach's methods.
Four of the club's owners are reportedly divided on whether Itoudis should continue as coach, though owner Ofer Yanai continues to support him. Tensions are also high between Itoudis and his staff, and Chairman and CEO Stav Shaham. Shaham had previously publicly criticized Itoudis for suggesting EuroLeague teams should play domestic league games with reserve squads. There are calls for Shaham's own removal, with Yanai stating that his behavior is "not appropriate for a chairman."
The team's limited playing time for players like Antonio Blakeney, Zach LeDay, and Tomer Ginat in the second half of the recent game has also raised questions. Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for its next league game against Bnei Herzliya, followed by two away EuroLeague matches against Baskonia and Paris.
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