Hapoel Jerusalem Plans Major Roster Overhaul After Playoff Exit

Hapoel Jerusalem ended its 2025/26 season in disappointment on Thursday, falling 89-81 to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 3 of the semifinal series and being swept 3-0. The loss followed a tense buildup in which the club learned at midday that the court accepted appeals by the Basketball Association and Hapoel Tel Aviv, turning the first game of the series into a technical loss for Jerusalem rather than ordering a replay. That ruling left Jerusalem down 2-0 and needing a win to survive.

The team from the capital entered the game badly depleted after Austin Wiley, Isaiah Moby, Xavier Sneed and Josiah-Jordan James left following the Iranian missile strikes on Sunday. Despite a strong effort, the short-handed side could not hold on in the closing minutes. The result ended a disappointing local and European campaign and is set to trigger a major summer rebuild.

Jerusalem has already agreed with coach Sasha Obradovic, who is expected to sign a two-year deal with an option for a third season. Outgoing coach Yonatan Alon said after the game, “This is my last game with Hapoel Jerusalem, certainly in this stint.” He added, “I love the club very much, it was fun. We did many exciting things, I look back and think I did my best. I am finishing my tenth year at the club in total. It is not over, it is just the end.”

The front office and coaching staff want substantial changes to the roster, and Obradovic has been promised a much larger budget so the team can compete for the EuroCup next season. Jared Harper, who is under contract for next season, is expected to receive a new improved deal soon, while Yuval Zosman, Roy Huber, Nimrod Levi and Eitan Burg are also signed for another year. Justin Smith is uncertain but is also expected to get a new contract.

All other foreign players are set to leave, including naturalized guard Kadin Carrington. Jerusalem had tried for a long time to extend him on better terms, but believes he likely already agreed with Hapoel Tel Aviv months ago. The club was also angered by Carrington’s conduct after Game 1, when he initially refused to play before changing his mind, leading to the captaincy being taken from him and given to Nimrod Levi.