Megiddo College Launches Innovative Kibbutz-Based Basketball Development Program

Megiddo College, a unique basketball project in Israel, combines professional sports training with kibbutz communal living and education. Located in Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, players live together, eat in the communal dining hall, enjoy community life and social activities, and integrate into the local education system. The initiative is led by Gil Lin, head of the Megiddo Regional Council, who envisions connecting the kibbutz lifestyle with high-level sports achievement in 2026.

The kibbutz itself supports the project by providing a home and embracing the players. The professional framework includes Yoav Shamir, assistant coach of the Israeli national basketball team, and Rimon Yabzuri, the national team’s physical conditioning coach, who oversee daily training and development. A dedicated team of professionals and managers also supports the players.

Megiddo College has a strong tradition of developing top Israeli basketball talent, having produced players like Dagan Yabzuri, Amos Lin, and Adam and Or Goren, who reached high levels in Israeli basketball and inspire the next generation. The project’s innovative model has attracted attention from top league teams, and a partnership with a leading club is expected to be announced soon, highlighting this approach as a promising path for nurturing young basketball players in Israel.