Hassiel Rivero Returns to Form After Serious Foot Injury Ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv Move

Hassiel Rivero, the Cuban center and prospective signing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has recovered from a severe foot injury that sidelined him from late September 2025 until the end of March 2026. During the final two months of the season, Rivero demonstrated promising form, scoring 11 points against Barcelona and 13 against Partizan Belgrade in consecutive EuroLeague games. He notably scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the third playoff game against Cedevita Olimpija.

Despite his recovery and impact under the basket, Rivero struggled to secure a consistent rotation spot with Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in the latter part of the season. He played limited minutes in the Adriatic League playoffs, appearing in only one game where he did not score, and was absent in the second game when the team was eliminated.

Crvena Zvezda decided not to exercise their option on Rivero as part of a frontcourt overhaul that also saw Donatas Motiejunas and Joel Bolomboy depart. Former Crvena Zvezda coach Sasha Obradovic, now with Hapoel Jerusalem, noted in December that Rivero had resumed individual training and gradually returned to play by March. Over nine EuroLeague appearances, Rivero averaged 4.8 points per game, showing potential despite limited playing time.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is monitoring Rivero's situation closely as they consider integrating him into their roster for the upcoming season.