Hapoel Jerusalem has held its season launch event at the Museum of Tolerance in the capital. The team's owners, professional staff, players, and sponsors attended the event. The Reds will face Bnei Herzliya this coming Friday in the Winner's Cup quarterfinals, and will open their EuroCup season next Tuesday.
"The players understood how big we want to be, there are ambitions here to grow and improve," Sasha Obradovic said. "We had excellent practices, but our flow in games is not there yet. We are improving and I am very satisfied with this group, it is very easy to coach, we are building day by day and improving day by day. I hope we win as much as possible and then everything will be better."
On the possibility of signing Lorenzo Brown as a replacement for Jared Harper, he said: "We have options, I believe a decision will be made soon among the options. Lorenzo Brown is an excellent player."
Roster upgrades and injury updates
Yovel Zoosman added: "This event is fun, it connects the people around the club. I had a minor injury and it is behind me, I was a bit stressed because I was out for a long time and I was afraid it was something more serious. I am okay and supposed to play on Friday."
On Sasha Obradovic: "He brings a lot of experience and knowledge at the highest levels. If the experience is also backed by titles and proven results, then all the more so. When he speaks, the players listen to him and are thirsty for that information."
On Jaleen Smith: "He is an asset, a player with very little ego and a lot of desire. He does not make many mistakes and that is necessary in basketball."
Owner Matan Adelson: "I am very satisfied with the roster, but there is no time left to celebrate what we did in the summer, what matters are the games. I am very excited about the start of the season, the sky is the limit for this team. Bringing Sasha Obradovic means we are here to stay and aiming for the very top."
On the return of games to Israel: "Unfortunately, it is not really in our control, we are doing everything in our power. The fact that Chus Bueno is coming is a good step, and we will keep our fingers crossed that games return. We, Maccabi, and Hapoel Tel Aviv worked better together in the past, for some reason that is not happening right now. If we can all work together and cooperate, it will serve everyone's interests."
Hosting options: Cyprus vs. Belgrade
On the possibility that Hapoel Jerusalem will host games in Cyprus, as Maccabi Tel Aviv may do: "Belgrade has advantages and disadvantages. Once we understood that Cyprus is an option, we also held talks. Cyprus has clear advantages over Belgrade. If it is possible, we will do everything to play there."
Adelson addressed the stage and added: "This season feels different. I want Hapoel to compete at the highest level, and to build something that will not depend on one roster or one coach. There is a difference between building a great team and a great club. I want to compete for every title in Israel and be in the big games in the EuroCup. In the end, I want Hapoel to be among the biggest clubs in Europe. I cannot promise titles, I can promise that whoever needs to bring them will have the best conditions.
Long-term vision and EuroLeague ambitions
"We are planning a proposal to receive a EuroLeague franchise, nothing is guaranteed. I hope they accept the proposal, we have a fascinating story to tell. We will need to give people a team they will believe in, and a club they will be proud of. I believe in the team we built and in the people leading it. Now is the time for actions and not words, everyone knows what our goals are."
During the evening, co-owner Gal Mekel presented the club's vision and the slogan that will lead the team from now on: Devotion Inspires.