There is a buzz in Israel's largest city as Hapoel Tel Aviv prepares to make its debut in the 7DAYS EuroCup. Once among the most feared teams in Israeli basketball, Hapoel is back to challenging for domestic titles and eager to reemerge as a force in Europe. Head coach Danny Franco knows a thing or two about the EuroCup from past seasons with Hapoel Jerusalem and together with management brought in plenty of new pieces to play alongside the stars of last season's successful campaign.
BACKCOURT
High-scoring point guard J’Covan Brown begins his sixth season in Israel and his second in Tel Aviv. On top of his scoring prowess and court vision, Brown is a player who does not back down from challenges and inspires his teammates to succeed. Gil Benny was the captain of the Israeli national team that won the gold medal at the U20 European Championship in 2018 and has already debuted for the senior national team. He can be expected to play a big role off the bench. Xavier Munford is surely among the team’s most experienced players, having already played in the EuroLeague for FC Barcelona and been a double-digit scorer in the EuroCup for Frutti Extra Bursaspor. His ability to score and create for others makes Munford a great compliment to Brown in the lineup. Swingman Adam Ariel is one of the top shooters in Israel and that alone will keep defenses on their toes. Veteran Bar Timor enters his sixth EuroCup campaign, though the combo-guard may miss the start of the season to injury. Small forward James Young was Hapoel’s top scorer last season and figures to have just as important a role in his first EuroCup campaign. Teenager Eyal Harel will gain experience in his first season with the senior squad.