Hapoel Jerusalem Coach Overdubovitch Criticizes Training Hall, Demands Arena Use

Sasha Overdubovitch, the newly appointed head coach of Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team, expressed dissatisfaction with the Malha training hall during a recent tour of the facility. According to informed sources, Overdubovitch described the hall as meeting "second-division standards in Greece" and requested that all team practices be moved to the Jerusalem Arena instead. This request presents two main challenges for the club. First, the financial impact is significant: training at Malha costs about 750 shekels per session, while using the arena is estimated at 3,500 shekels per session, potentially increasing the club's expenses substantially if all practices are relocated. Second, the arena's availability is limited due to its regular hosting of other events, making it uncertain whether all training sessions can be held there consistently.

Overdubovitch was officially introduced at a press conference on the same day. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach the team, highlighting his previous experience with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, Monaco, and Alba Berlin. He stated, "I believe I can build a team here as I have done many times before. I am happy to join such a big club and want to build a team with good energy. I have a lot of motivation to succeed and am confident we can compete for all titles in Israel and aim for the EuroLeague."