Cleveland's Omri Casspi is an Israeli pioneer as the first basketball player from his country to become a first-round pick and play in the NBA. Now, Casspi has begun to recruit a few fellow Israelis to join him.
Ex-Wichita State playmaker Gal Mekelentertained several high-level European offers from Israel and Spain before holding a summit with the Cavs' Casspi, his national-team teammate and close friend, before one of Israel's games in Eurobasket qualifying.
Casspi told Mekel that he needed to go to Florida after the Eurobasket campaign to train at the Pro Training Center near Tampa, just as Casspi himself had done early in his pro career.
"Omri called David Thorpe, whom he said was the best coach he had ever trained with, and asked if (Thorpe) would spend two weeks with me", Mekel exclusively told Eurobasket from Tampa, where he is completing his training stint. "Coach Thorpe requested to speak to me first before committing to me, and once we talked I knew it was going to be a great learning experience."
But neither Thorpe, nor Mekel, expected such fast results. Last week, Mekel did so well in an open-gym audition with the Utah Jazz that he was invited to Utahs training camp.
"He's really like a scientist with how he teaches, everything is simple but specific, and I quickly saw results with my game, shooting, dribbling, athleticism, etc.," Mekel said. "When Thorpe told me he thought I was a serious NBA prospect, I was moved and surprised to hear such comments from someone who sees the game like he does," Mekel added.
According to Mekel, Thorpe had begun to speak with a few teams about the 6-foot-4 guard for next season when the Jazz called to invite Mekel in for a look.
That workout turned out to be just the chance Mekel needed to show that his pick-and-roll prowess would adapt well to the NBA. After looking good on a court that also featured the likes of Utah veteran Derrick Favorsand NBA veteran point guard Chris Quinn (Agency: Priority Sports), Mekel quickly won over some Jazz officials, including former sharpshooting guard Jeff Hornacek.
But not long after the high of being invited to Jazz camp, which officially began Tuesday, Mekel quickly learned that he would have to turn down the opportunity because he would not be able to secure the required working visa for several days, likely forcing him to miss at least a week of practices.
"Although the lack of an American work permit ruled me out for Utah's training camp, I feel good about my future," Mekel told Eurobasket. "It's very likely I'll play in Europe this year. Armed with all this new knowledge about how I can better my game, my goals are to keep improving my game, help my new team win and be prepared for possibly coming back to the United States next summer for either the NBA summer league or training camp in October."
Netanya and Maccabi Rishon tied the series - May 20, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Hapoel J-M - Netanya 70-73 (2-2)
Netanya tied the Semifinals after the road win on the road against Hapoel J-M. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 27-22 charge, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Ramel Bradley (188-85) fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The other American import swingman Deron Washington (201-85, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds [read more]
Netanya tied the Semifinals after the road win on the road against Hapoel J-M. The guests trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 27-22 charge, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Ramel Bradley (188-85) fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The other American import swingman Deron Washington (201-85, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. Four GreenTops Netanya players scored in double figures. American Josh Duncan (203-86) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds and international Elishay Kadir (202-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Top scorers: Netanya: R.Bradley 19+7reb+6ast, D.Washington 17+9reb+2ast, R.Morgan 12+3reb+1ast, M.Killingsworth 11+10reb+2ast, E.Gueta 7+1reb, E.Shulman 5 Hapoel J-M: J.Duncan 22+9reb+3ast, E.Kadir 11+10reb, C.Fells 10+5reb+1ast, S.Samuels 9+4reb+1ast, M.Tapiro 6+3ast, R.Limonad 5+2reb
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Hapoel Eilat won third quarter 19-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Hapoel Eilat 43-22 including a 22-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Maccabi Rishon brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Hapoel Eilat was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (200-84, college: Hofstra) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks. American forward Julian Wright (203-87, college: Kansas) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Eli Holman (208-89, college: Detroit Mercy) replied with 12 points and 9 rebounds and the former international point guard Afik Nissim (186-81) added 13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals in the effort for Hapoel Eilat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Top scorers: Maccabi Rishon: A.Uter 25+14reb+4ast, A.Ben David 20+4reb+2ast, J.Wright 15+15reb+3ast, N.Hanochi 11+4reb+8ast, O.Solomon 4+2reb+1ast, L.Jones 3 Hapoel Eilat: L.O'Bannon 13+3reb+1ast, A.Nissim 13+3reb+5ast, E.Holman 12+9reb+1ast, J.Tillman 11+1reb, S.Hopson 9+1reb, E.Skverer 6+2reb+2ast
Hod Hasharon tied National League Finals - May 18, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Hod Hasharon - Ironi Nes-Ziona 90-77 (1-1)
Hod Hasharon tied National League Finals at 1-1. The game was mostly controlled by Hod Hasharon. Ironi Nes-Ziona managed to win fourth quarter 26-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Ironi Nes-Ziona 40-28 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hod Hasharon looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists [read more]
Hod Hasharon tied National League Finals at 1-1. The game was mostly controlled by Hod Hasharon. Ironi Nes-Ziona managed to win fourth quarter 26-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Ironi Nes-Ziona 40-28 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hod Hasharon looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Eran Asante Asare (194-88, agency: Gross Zeev ISA) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Nigerian power forward Chukwudinma Odiakosa (203-85, college: Illinois St., agency: N.E.T.) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Hod Hasharon's coach Roy Hagai used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tal Karpels (195-90) produced 17 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized Welsh forward Tal Michael Dunne (197-87) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Four Ironi Nes-Ziona players scored in double figures. Top scorers: Hod Hasharon: C.Odiakosa 19+6reb+1ast, E.Asante Asare 18+11reb+6ast, B.Walker 15+5reb+5ast, O.Hover 9+5reb, G.Dotan 9+3reb+9ast, I.Stolero 8+2reb+2ast Ironi Nes-Ziona: T.Karpels 17+5reb+3ast, T.Michael Dunne 15+5reb+5ast, R.Zehavian 13+4reb+1ast, G.Amitay 11+4reb+2ast, E.Engel 9+2reb+2ast, B.Benn 4+5reb+1ast
Maccabi T-A and Maccabi Haifa sweep the Quarter-Finals - May 16, 2013
POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET NEWS
follow us on
Maccabi T-A - Hapoel T-A 76-74 (3-0)
Hapoel Tel-Aviv was ahead by 6 points at the halftime before a 38-30 second half run of Maccabi T-A. It was a good game for international Lior Eliyahu (206-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) who led his team to a victory with 9 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ricky Hickman (189-85, college: NC-Greensboro) contributed with 20 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners [read more]
Hapoel Tel-Aviv was ahead by 6 points at the halftime before a 38-30 second half run of Maccabi T-A. It was a good game for international Lior Eliyahu (206-85, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) who led his team to a victory with 9 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Ricky Hickman (189-85, college: NC-Greensboro) contributed with 20 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. Maccabi T-A's coach David Blatt allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Brian Randle (203-85) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import point guard Demontez Stitt (186-89, college: Clemson) added 18 points and 4 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) in the effort for Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Top scorers: Maccabi T-A: R.Hickman 20+2reb+2ast, S.James 17+4reb+2ast, D.Smith 14+3reb+3ast, L.Eliyahu 9+17reb+4ast, D.Logan 8+3reb+1ast, D.Planinic 4 Hapoel T-A: B.Randle 19+13reb+2ast, D.Stitt 18+2reb+4ast, A.Goods 11+1reb+2ast, C.Kelly 7+4reb+3ast, J.Skjoldebrand 7+3reb+1ast, M.Naor 6+3reb+1ast
The game without a history. GreenTops Netanya led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. GreenTops Netanya players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was a quality performance for American power forward Marco Killingsworth (203-82, college: Indiana, agency: Avi Zilberman) who led the winners and scored 22 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). His fellow American import swingman Deron Washington (201-85, college: Virginia Tech) accounted for 25 points and 4 steals for the winning side. American Josh Duncan (203-86) came up with 15 points and 8 rebounds and international Elishay Kadir (202-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Hapoel Jerusalem in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Top scorers: Netanya: D.Washington 25+2reb+3ast, M.Killingsworth 22+9reb+2ast, Y.Orland 16+4reb, E.Gueta 9+2reb+1ast, R.Bradley 8+5reb+8ast, E.Shulman 8+1reb+6ast Hapoel J-M: E.Kadir 17+5reb+1ast, J.Duncan 15+8reb+3ast, R.Limonad 12+4reb+1ast, C.Fells 9+7reb+1ast, S.Samuels 6+2reb+2ast, M.Tapiro 4+1reb+4ast
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 21-18. But Galil Gilboa won second period 22-20. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Maccabi Haifa looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Galil Gilboa helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American-Greek swingman Pat Calathes (208-85, college: St.Joseph's) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Mexican point guard Paul Stoll (180-85) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Mitchell Watt (208-89, college: Buffalo) who recorded 17 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import guard Jamar Smith (191-87, college: S.Indiana, agency: KMG Sports Management) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Four Galil Gilboa players scored in double figures. Top scorers: Maccabi Haifa: P.Calathes 32+12reb+5ast, P.Stoll 20+1reb+4ast, G.Mekel 10+3reb+10ast, J.Thomas 9+10reb, D.Smith 9+2reb+6ast, C.Colman 7+2reb+1ast Galil Gilboa: M.Watt 17+5reb+3ast, J.Smith 16+5reb+1ast, D.Yavzuri 13+2reb+4ast, Y.Green 12+4reb+4ast, K.Hayes 10+4reb+2ast, R.Sanders 9+5reb+3ast
It was a great evening for American forward Jerome Tillman (198-87, college: Ohio, agency: KMG Sports Management) who led his team to a victory scoring 8 points and 13 rebounds. His fellow American import power forward Eli Holman (208-89, college: Detroit Mercy) helped adding 13 points and 6 rebounds. Four Hapoel Eilat players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (200-84, college: Hofstra) with 24 points and 9 rebounds and American forward Julian Wright (203-87, college: Kansas) scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Maccabi Rishon's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Top scorers: Hapoel Eilat: E.Skverer 14+2reb+2ast, A.Nissim 14+2reb+3ast, E.Holman 13+6reb+1ast, L.O'Bannon 12+7reb+1ast, J.Tillman 8+13reb+2ast, S.Hopson 6+4reb+2ast Maccabi Rishon: A.Uter 24+9reb+2ast, J.Wright 16+8reb+2ast, N.Hanochi 8+5reb+7ast, A.Ben David 7+3reb+2ast, L.Jones 6+2ast, O.Solomon 4+2reb+1ast
Maccabi T-A: took 1st place (8-2) in Group B of the Regular Season, took 3rd
place (8-6) in Group F of the Top16, lost to Real Madrid 0-3 in the
quarterfinals !!!
Galil Gilboa: took 1st place (6-2) in Group A of the First Stage, took 2nd
place (10-4) in Group C of the Second Stage, beat Levski (BUL) 87-79 in the
Final !!!
Copyright (c) 1998-2013 Eurobasket Inc. Disclaimer
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site !
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the site, nor will you attempt to do so.
