Hapoel Tel Aviv is pursuing a EuroLeague B license and potential signings, having Vasilije Micic, Jean Montero, Mfiondu Kabengele, and others on the radar.
Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv is leading the EuroCup Finals best-of-three series 1-0 against Gran Canaria and could secure the title on Friday while playing on the road.
Vasilije Micic
| Team: |
Phoenix Suns |
| Position: | PG, SG |
| Age: | 31 |
| Height: | 195 cm |
| Weight: | 92 kg |
| Birth place: | Kraljevo, Serbia |
A victory would also earn the Israeli club a spot in next season's EuroLeague, but the team is aiming even higher and is pursuing a B license.
"We have two ways to join the EuroLeague. The first will be to win the EuroCup, which will give us a one-year wild card. The other way is to get a B license," Hapoel owner Ofer Yannay said on a BackdoorPodcast. "We have already applied for the B license, and the teams need to vote on whether they want Hapoel in the league or not.
"I hope they do, and I can assure you that Hapoel can bring a very competitive team to the EuroLeague along with a lot of passion and excitement," he added. "We will revive the Israeli derby, and I am sure it will be the best derby."
Not so long ago, Yannay revealed that the club is in talks with Serbian star Vasilije Micic, who is currently with the Phoenix Suns. The executive wants him to make the best-paid player in Europe.
"I think that we are getting to a point where both parties need to make a decision," Yannay stated. "If a decision is made now, then it will be great to have him in the team, but if it doesn't happen now, then the next window to bring Micic to our team will be in July due to the NBA restrictions. I hope we can bring Micic now, but negotiations are always complicated."
Hapoel is a club with high hopes, given their current star-studded roster for EuroCup competition, coach Dimitris Itoudis, and ongoing discussions with Micic.
When asked about potential signings, Yannay shared his interest in several players.
"Now, you will hear some of the names that I have on my list. I really liked [Jean] Montero from Valencia. I like the fact that he is very young and talented, and to be honest, he captured my attention," Yannay began. "He's a player who's not in the EuroLeague yet, but he's extremely talented. I really like him.
"Then, there's Guerschon Yabusele. He is having a great season in the NBA so far, but if he becomes available and decides to explore a return to the EuroLeague, then we will surely try to sign him," Yannay continued. "I also like Kevin Punter, but he's not available on the market right now.
"There are many other names that I like, such as Chima Moneke, who is an amazing player. Also, Mfiondu Kabengele could attract our interest for next season. All these names are interesting to me right now."
Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv
Dreamland Gran Canaria