Hapoel Tel Aviv Builds Massive 19-Player Roster Ahead of New Season

Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club continues to assemble one of the largest and most intriguing rosters in Israeli basketball for the upcoming season. Following the recent signing of American guard Eugene German, the team is still seeking to add another foreign frontcourt player, potentially bringing the total number of foreign players to 11 and the overall roster to at least 19 players.

German, known as a skilled scorer capable of creating his own shots, joins a crowded backcourt that includes Vasa Micić, Tomas Satoransky, Elijah Bryant, and Antonio Blakeney. The club believes German fits well with coach Dimitris Itoudis’s style, emphasizing one-on-one scoring ability. However, with such a talent-rich roster, German will need to earn his playing time.

Tyler Ennis remains under contract but the club is actively seeking to transfer him elsewhere, as his playing time in the EuroLeague is expected to be limited due to foreign player restrictions. The frontcourt currently features Dan Otero, Zack Laidei, Tai Odiase, and Jacob Topin, with the club still looking for additional depth to cover potential injuries without requiring a major role for the new signing.

The club is also managing the uncertain futures of Israeli players Yiftach Ziv, who has permission to leave but has yet to find a new team, and Tamir Blatt, whose signing and loan depend on finding a suitable club. The large roster raises questions about playing time distribution, especially for Israeli players who saw limited minutes last season. The addition of players like Carrington and Topin, who is expected to gain Israeli citizenship, further complicates EuroLeague roster spots.

Despite the challenges, Hapoel Tel Aviv is sending a clear message: the club aims high and is building a deep, competitive squad, continuing one of the most impressive recruitment periods in its history.