Maccabi Tel Aviv opens the season, Kattash: "We created continuity – it is important"

Maccabi Tel Aviv officially began preparations for the 2026/2027 season today (Thursday), holding its first team practice with the players available to head coach Oded Kattash. Several players currently with their national teams were absent from the practice, including Roman Sorkin, Yam Madar, Jaylen Hoard, Iffe Lundberg, and Daniel Theis, while Keaton Wallace is expected to join on Tuesday.

Alongside the roster players, several players who joined for the preparation period also participated in the practice, including Tamir Gold, Gabi Artomanko, Brandon Edwards, Rom Stoller, Nitai Dudu, Omri Shelef, and Sagi Gudes.

Kattash addressed the start of preparations and the roster construction:

"We are excited. At the moment, we are missing six or seven significant players from the roster, but we are trying to make the most of the coming period."

The coach emphasized that one of the main things that guided the professional staff this summer was the character of the players and the aspiration to create continuity.

"What guided us this summer was the character of the players. I think what is special this year is that we created continuity, and that is always important. Of course, we also wanted to deepen the roster and add talent to it," said Kattash. "The challenge is great, and I am sure the new players will help us be better."

One of the main stories of the summer for Maccabi is the return of Bonzie Colson. Kattash did not hide his satisfaction with the move: "We love Bonzie and are proud that we managed to bring him back to us. It is important for all of us and for the fans, and I have no doubt that professionally he will contribute a lot to us."

Colson addressed his return to Maccabi and the reception he received at the airport, which he described as an emotional moment for him and his family, and emphasized that the goal now is to build chemistry and team connection. According to him, to take a step forward this season, Maccabi will need to improve mainly in defense, rebounding, and communication between players. He added that he is especially looking forward to the derby against Hapoel and the meeting against Fenerbahce, his former team, but clarified: "More than anything, I want to return to playing and leave everything on the court."

Captain John DiBartolomeo also addressed the start of the season and the forward's return: "I feel good and excited to start the season. It's fun to see the players returning and those joining us, hungry players who want to prove themselves." Regarding Colson, he added: "His energy, his aggressiveness, and his ability on the court, I can't wait to see him help us also thanks to his leadership."