Fifteen years after his first stint with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, head coach Oded Kattash has taken the team back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, thus fulfilling one of his childhood dreams.
"Sitting at home, watching the games with my family, getting excited with Maccabi's wins," Kattash remembers, "I mean, if I had a dream, it is winning the EuroLeague."
Kattash had a stellar career as a player, including four seasons with Maccabi from 1995 to 1999. Now, he's back on the bench after having already coached Maccabi from 2007 to 2008.
"We know the history of Maccabi. It's never easy. You always need a little bit of luck," he says. "You need to handle the pressure when you play or coach for Maccabi Tel Aviv. They want to make it to the Final Four. But in a way, I grew up like that, I'm used to it, and I like it."
For Kattash, the pressure and aspirations, what he calls "the spirit of Maccabi", are something that is fueled by the fans.
"You do basketball for the fans, and special fans like Maccabi's, and special atmosphere on EuroLeague nights," he said. "I think they deserve good basketball."