Hapoel Tel Aviv Returns Home in Style with 81:67 Victory Over Ashdod
Hapoel Tel Aviv celebrated its return to the Shlomo Group Arena with an 81:67 win over Ashdod. Club chairman Stav Shaham discussed the emotional homecoming, EuroLeague roster strategy, and Yam Madar's move to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to the Shlomo Group Arena on Sunday after nearly two years of hosting its home games at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Club chairman Stav Shaham expressed his immense excitement over the emotional reunion with the red faithful during an interview with the 103fm sports show, discussing the homecoming, efforts to heal the rift with fans, and Yam Madar's controversial move to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A Triumphant Homecoming
Nearly 1,700 spectators packed the Drive In Arena on Sunday evening for a 67:81 victory over Ashdod. Shaham noted that the venue felt like it held 6,000 fans due to the electric atmosphere.
"It sounds like 6,000 at Menora. A huge celebration. There wasn't a single person who didn't tell me 'Stav, how fun it is to come back home'," Shaham shared.
Rebuilding Relations and EuroLeague Ambitions
Addressing the club's status in the EuroLeague and the limited playing time for local players, Shaham explained that top Israeli players like Tomer Ginat, Bar Timor, and Tamir Blatt missed recent games due to fitness issues, emphasizing that Hapoel aims to compete at the highest tier of European basketball.
"We are a top EuroLeague team. A team that wants to succeed in the EuroLeague needs to register the 12 best players it has. We don't just want to participate," Shaham stated.
Commenting on Yam Madar crossing town to Maccabi Tel Aviv, Shaham remained unfazed, asserting that while Madar is a solid player, he is not currently a top-tier EuroLeague star capable of carrying a team to a continental title.
