Maccabi Tel Aviv Adds Forward Shalev Lugasi to Preseason Training

Maccabi Tel Aviv is advancing its preparations for the 2026/27 basketball season by integrating forward Shalev Lugasi into the team's preseason training sessions. The 24-year-old, who captained Bnei Herzliya last season, is set to join the squad as several players depart for national team duties at the end of August. Lugasi led Herzliya to the Israeli State Cup final, where they were defeated 100-90 by Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Before his tenure at Herzliya, Lugasi played for Nahariya, Kiryat Motzkin, Kiryat Ata, and Rishon Lezion. In the most recent season, he averaged 9.2 points per game with shooting percentages of 59% from the field and 37% from three-point range, along with 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His previous seasons showed lower scoring averages, with 3.8 points in 11.3 minutes per game and 2.3 points in 8 minutes per game at Kiryat Ata.

Maccabi Tel Aviv aims to strengthen its roster ahead of the new season by adding promising players like Lugasi, who brings experience and leadership from his previous roles. The team continues to prepare strategically as it balances player availability during the national team break.