Israeli Basketball Association Denies Claims of Interference in Dan Oturu Naturalization

The Israeli Basketball Association has officially denied allegations made by Hapoel Tel Aviv owner Ofer Yanai, who claimed that the association wanted Dan Oturu to be the next naturalized player for the Israeli national team but that Maccabi Tel Aviv officials sabotaged the process. In a statement released on July 27, 2026, the association clarified that its chairman never approached Yanai or his representatives regarding Oturu's naturalization or that of any other player. Instead, it was representatives from Hapoel Tel Aviv who initiated contact, requesting a meeting and raising the issue of Oturu's naturalization.

The association emphasized that the committee established to handle naturalizations is focused solely on creating a selection procedure, not on deciding specific players. The chairman informed Hapoel representatives that Oturu is a worthy candidate among others suggested by different teams, but the committee does not discuss individual names. The proposed selection process involves a three-person panel, excluding the chairman, and any chosen naturalized player would face a lengthy approval process, making participation in upcoming games impossible.

Furthermore, the association noted that selecting a naturalized player for summer 2026 was never under consideration, as the national team already has two naturalized players, Kadin Carrington and Danny Wolf, with only one eligible to register for games. The next naturalization discussion will occur before a major summer tournament. The association also refuted the sabotage claim, stating no selection has taken place to be undermined.

Yanai was accused of regularly attacking and attempting to defame the association contrary to facts. The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism in advancing Israeli basketball, dismissing conspiracy theories and emphasizing that committee discussions have been procedural rather than player-specific. The committee’s conclusions will be formally presented to the association’s management in due course.