It has been difficult for the sports world in Israel to remain untouched by the tragedy of Oct. 7. Every game, stadium, and broadcast has inevitably served as a solemn memorial for those who, mere moments ago, were fans in the stands but are now gone forever. Celebrations are muted, as the realm of sports refuses to be contained, bleeding into the solemnity of remembrance.

Last week, as Hapoel Jerusalem celebrated winning the Israeli State Cup in basketball, the players invited 18-year-old Ofir Engel, released by Hamas in November after being taken hostage on Oct. 7, to join them in lifting the trophy. The entire match was dedicated to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who remains a hostage of Hamas, with thousands of Hapoel's red-clad fans donning shirts bearing his image.

"In the context of life itself since Oct. 7, sports is meaningless. But it's only when you encounter the fans, families, and people across the country that you suddenly understand sports' profound power and importance. And that is why it must continue," says Matan Adelson, at 25 the youngest owner of a professional sports team in Israel.

Adelson, speaking publicly for the first time since announcing his purchase of Hapoel Jerusalem a year ago, aspires to reshape both Israeli and European basketball through the club, which he aims to build into an empire.

The scion of the Adelson family has kept an extremely low profile over the past year, with little in the public record about the youngest son of Dr. Miriam Adelson and the late Sheldon Adelson (full disclose: Dr. Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom). Occasionally, he asserted his presence in the sports arena through displays of assertiveness, such as Twitter battles with sporting rivals.

Now, Adelson openly discusses the turbulent year since acquiring the team, candidly acknowledging missteps while sharing that he managed to shed 66 pounds over two years. A Stanford graduate, he expresses grave concerns over rising campus antisemitism. Above all, Adelson is driven to prove Hapoel Jerusalem is not a fleeting fancy but a profound investment by revealing his vision for the team's future.

Parental guidance

Adelson, born in 1999 in Los Angeles, spent the majority of his formative years in Las Vegas, two years younger than his brother Adam, a successful race car driver in the US, and two decades younger than his elder sisters, Sivan and Yasmin. From infancy, he was immersed in the family's business and philanthropic environment, describing the Jewish community of the West Coast as "a bubble: everyone around me was Jewish. We knew that there were others in the world, but our immediate surroundings were entirely Jewish, and it was paramount to my mom that we were raised with Israeli values. Consequently, I was in the Israeli Scouts, and she conversed with me in Hebrew –  and, of course, we visited Israel frequently."

At a young age, Adelson professes, he developed a profound affinity for basketball. "During my childhood, family friends kindled my love for the Los Angeles Lakers, and one day I approached my father, declaring my aspiration to become the owner of the Lakers when I grew up. He elucidated that the Lakers are already an established brand, and with or without me, they will consistently maintain their elite status. Therefore, it would be more prudent for me to acquire a less well-off brand and elevate it to the pinnacle – in that process, I would also gain invaluable knowledge."

Q: Now that you manage a substantial business yourself, what advice from your parents has aided you in leading the team?

"My late father consistently emphasized that a thriving business hinges on the individuals you assemble and surround yourself with. He underscored the importance of selecting individuals with superior intellect, thereby providing a valuable resource for consultation. However, after assembling a capable team, it is equally crucial to take the necessary measures to retain them. My father always maintained that if they demonstrate loyalty to you, you have an obligation to reciprocate that loyalty."

Adelson chose to illustrate his point with an anecdote from the coronavirus period.

VIP Passenger in the car today. Buckle Up! pic.twitter.com/ksk3elc98r

— Matan Adelson (@MatanAdelson) May 18, 2024

"The tourism industry worldwide experienced a catastrophic collapse, and numerous individuals in Las Vegas resorted to laying off their employees. However, my father did not terminate a single worker or reduce anyone's salary. This was one of the most significant lessons I learned from him. He said that our family possesses resources that others do not, and therefore, we are responsible for caring for them, particularly if they work so hard."

Adelson revealed that he first truly encountered antisemitism while studying Economics at Stanford. 

"It's not that I was unaware of the existence of antisemites in the world, as that was evident to me, but there I confronted it directly. It manifested in waves. During my first year, there was a significant presence of antisemitism, and one could discern the profound impact of BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement] and their efforts on the younger generation, as well as the ignorance pervasive among young Americans."

In the second year, he recounted, the hostility subsided, "but I had a very close friend in college, one of whose friends was Palestinian. I witnessed how she inundated her with blatantly false information. So if you inquire about the current situation on campuses in the US – I'm truly not surprised, as we foresaw this development.

"The protesters on campuses, of course, attempt to justify their actions as anti-Zionist rather than antisemitic. However, anyone with a modicum of sense recognizes that there is no distinction; it's merely their ignorance that leads them to perceive it that way."

After completing his studies, Adelson joined investment firms, although, if he could "turn back time, I would have pursued computer science. Upon finishing my degree, I questioned what my profession was and what the university had equipped me with for the rest of my life. Truthfully, I cannot provide a satisfactory answer. I do not feel that Stanford gave me the necessary tools to embark on a professional career."

"The Euroleague? It's another milestone on the journey."

We convened in the offices of Hapoel Jerusalem in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Adelson's ambitions soar high, and the team's trophy case is becoming increasingly crowded. Adelson was accompanied by a documentary film crew, which may potentially result in another sports documentary in the genre currently inundating streaming platforms.

As mentioned, this was his first major interview, and he appeared apprehensive yet understanding, as someone from a family for whom the spotlight is not unfamiliar, that this is part of the game.

Q: How would you summarize your first year at Hapoel Jerusalem?

"It has been a year of ups and downs, with both positive and challenging moments. I am still learning about the sport here and discovering many areas that need improvement. Next week, the final part of the season begins with the playoff games, and we are yet to know the exact day or time of our matches. This lack of organization perplexes me; it's difficult to foster a strong sports culture or a competitive basketball league without proper scheduling."

Q: This is a characteristic of Israeli sports and particularly Israeli basketball.

"This is an issue that needs addressing. There are basketball arenas in the Premier League that are not up to standard, and the league's marketing efforts are insufficient. There is also a lack of private team ownership, with too many teams being controlled by mayors. When a mayor changes, a team can suddenly be disbanded. This is not a sustainable way to achieve long-term success.

"I acknowledge that there is criticism of me as well, and I make mistakes. However, the key is to learn from them and implement changes that will benefit all of Israeli basketball."

Q: Some issues can't be fixed, such as Maccabi Tel Aviv's long-standing dominance in basketball.

"I am aware of the history and the fact that the [Recanati family,] owners of Maccabi Tel Aviv also own Israel's main sports channel, which I find peculiar. Ofer Yannay, [owner of the Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball team,] claims that Maccabi Tel Aviv's advantage was gained through unkosher means. While I do not know whether this is true, it is clear that Maccabi Tel Aviv resists competition." 

"There wasn't a specific moment; it was a process. We were approached by every major basketball league in the world with offers. We even received an offer from a prominent soccer club in the Premier League. But I asked myself – what connection do I have to London? What connection do I have to football? What bond do I have with that country?

Q: Maccabi's management has also prevented Hapoel Jerusalem from entering the Euroleague, the premier basketball league in Europe, for years.

"I have met with the Federman and Recanati families, [who co-own Maccabi Tel Aviv,] but not with Shimon Mizrahi, [their chairman.] I explained the significance of having two Israeli teams in the Euroleague, not only for the sport but also for Israel. It would even benefit Maccabi's interests. They disagreed and opposed our position. However, I'm not looking for Maccabi's permission. Ultimately, I will do what is right for Hapoel Jerusalem. Their opposition only strengthens my resolve."

"For me, the Euroleague represents another significant milestone in our journey. If this league does not want us, they will miss out on the potential and power of Hapoel Jerusalem, and another league will benefit from our participation. Professionally, we made a strategic error last year by staying in FIBA's basketball league, [the Euroleague's competitor,] but financially, it was beneficial. We saved a substantial amount by not hosting games in Israel and having fewer matches. As I said, I have made mistakes and will continue to do so as we progress."

Q: One of Maccabi Tel Aviv's long-standing strategies in basketball has been their ability to acquire the best players from rival teams. There are rumors that you are considering their coach, Oded Kattash, for next year.

"Oded Kattash is just one of our options. I have not yet had a meeting with him. We have many prominent names on our list, both for the coaching position and for players. Acquiring Maccabi Tel Aviv's players or coaches would not only strengthen us but also weaken our rivals, offering a dual advantage.

"Maccabi is unaccustomed to competition for players and coaches, but the landscape of Israeli basketball is evolving. Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv are making significant investments, and we will continue to do so in the coming summer. From what I understand, Maccabi's owners have not invested heavily in the club for quite some time. I can assure them that they face challenges ahead of the next season."

"We'll impact European basketball as well"

Many were surprised when Adelson decided to purchase an Israeli basketball team, considering the relatively small market it operates in. Another branch of the family chose to acquire the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, a team currently competing in the Western Conference Finals and harboring championship aspirations under its new ownership.

Q: With all the options available to you, why choose an Israeli basketball team? Do you recall the moment you decided on this?

"There wasn't a specific moment; it was a process. We were approached by every major basketball league in the world with offers. We even received an offer from a prominent soccer club in the Premier League. But I asked myself – what connection do I have to London? What connection do I have to football? What bond do I have with that country?

"I wouldn't have bought an NBA team; I have no national sentiment for that. As an Israeli and a Jew, I'm pleased that my family [sister Sivan and brother-in-law Patrick Dumont] bought a team in the NBA, but for me, buying a sports team was a Zionist act."

"I wouldn't have bought an NBA team; I have no national sentiment for that. As an Israeli and a Jew, I'm pleased that my family [sister Sivan and brother-in-law Patrick Dumont] bought a team in the NBA, but for me, buying a sports team was a Zionist act."

Q: Do you consult with the family in Dallas? After all, there is a significant difference between the Pais Arena (where Hapoel Jerusalem plays) in Jerusalem and the standards of the NBA.

"There is no cooperation between us, and there won't be. Perhaps in the future, we can organize an exhibition game between Hapoel Jerusalem and Dallas, but for now, our connection is limited to attending some of their games. Of course, if we have questions or need ideas, it's reassuring to know we have someone in the family to consult with, as they are part of one of the best, most experienced, and largest clubs in the world.

"But I don't want Hapoel Jerusalem fans to have unrealistic expectations: our focus is on becoming the best team in Israel and then making an impact in European basketball. If we can occasionally play against American teams, why not?"

Q: Since you took the position, the imagination of every basketball fan in Israel has been thrilled, and everyone is eager to see which superstars will join Hapoel Jerusalem.

"When we arrived, the previous owner, Eyal Chomsky, said we had a great coach [Aleksandar Džikić, who left Israel due to the war] and ensuring that everything fits his system. Even if I had brought Steph Curry here, he wouldn't have played if he didn't fit into the coach's system. I agree that not every player is suitable for Hapoel Jerusalem, and even if LeBron James played for us, it might not work.

"But our intention for next year, and in general, is to bring in big names. We understand this will require a significant financial investment. However, it will ensure that our arena is filled with enthusiastic fans."

Adelson expressed a deep connection to the passion and energy of European basketball fans compared to the more subdued and politically correct atmosphere of American fans.

"My girlfriend and I sometimes attend NBA games, and she finds them boring. You can't compare the Hapoel Jerusalem crowd and European fans in general to those in the US. Imagine an arena in Jerusalem full of fans who never stop singing and cheering. It's the fans who make you want to stay, and you don't find fans like that in the US."

Q: What do the players think of Jerusalem?

"Every player who comes here needs to understand that they are going to live in Jerusalem and grasp the significance of representing a team that plays in this city, with all that it entails."

When Adelson walked around the Mahane Yehuda market, where he also posed for photographs for this article, it was clear that he was already well-known. Moshe Lion, the mayor, also took the time to meet with the owner after the victory. Adelson admitted that one of his biggest challenges is related to the broader challenges facing Jerusalem.

"It's no secret that many young Jerusalemites who support the team eventually leave the city, and their connection to the team changes. They don't attend all our home games, and we are constantly brainstorming how to keep them engaged, buying season tickets, and supporting us even when they no longer live in the city. From a marketing perspective, this is an issue that hasn't been addressed in the past.

"And I'll tell you something else – we currently have die-hard fans who never stop cheering, even when we're losing. I know that when we win, more people come, but I want to avoid having a 'concert crowd' that only shows up for the victories. Instead, I want a crowd that won't stop cheering, like our dedicated core of fans who jump and cheer behind the basket every game."

"And I'll tell you something else – today we have diehard fans who don't stop cheering even when we're losing. I know that more fans show up when there are wins, but I want it to not be a concert crowd like some of the teams have, who only join for the wins, but rather a crowd that won't stop cheering – like that large core that jumps regularly behind the basket."

You're certainly familiar with the ownership history of Hapoel Jerusalem. Arcadi Gaydamak, Guma Aguiar, Uri Alon. They all tried and eventually left. "I can't say how many years I'll stay in Jerusalem – because it's not interesting. My goals right now are that I won't need to work 25 hours a day around the team. I have no time to do anything else, and I already want to know that even if I'm in the US, things here are running as they should. We're not there yet. If someone thinks the question of whether Jerusalem will make the Euroleague or not will affect my decision to stay here – they are very mistaken.

"I have many goals for Hapoel Jerusalem, especially regarding the club's social impact. The Euroleague is just one of those goals. I'm calm because it's clear to me that if the Euroleague is built on the money of Dubai and the Gulf states, the league won't last long."

Q; Do you hope for Maccabi Tel Aviv's success in the Euroleague?

"After the tough past year, when all the Israeli teams played outside of Israel and we suffered such hatred, the success of the Israeli teams abroad is important. When Maccabi Tel Aviv plays in Europe I'm for them, when Hapoel Tel Aviv plays in Europe I'm for them. They represent Israel, and in the situation we live in today, that's very important. First and foremost we are Jews and Zionists.

"They receive important values"

To be an owner of a sports team in Israel in such a difficult year of war is no easy task. Adelson may not be publicly politically active, and you won't see him in that arena, but he clarifies that the war has sharpened many insights for him. "Many know my parents' political views," he says. "I don't want to turn this into a political interview, but my views are certainly similar to my parents'. If there's one thing that has become clearer to me this past year, it's the understanding of how important military service is.

To be an owner of a sports team in Israel in such a difficult year of war is no easy task. Adelson may not be publicly politically active, and you won't see him in that arena, but he clarifies that the war has sharpened many insights for him. "Many know my parents' political views," he says. "I don't want to turn this into a political interview, but my views are certainly similar to my parents'. If there's one thing that has become clearer to me this past year, it's the understanding of how important military service is.

"Let me tell you a story: When my sister's son (the sister is Yasmin Lukatz, the CEO and founder of ICON and the founder and president of Code for Israel) was about to enlist in the army, it took me some time to understand how right that choice was for him. Because the IDF not only defends the country or provides future skills if you're in a certain field, like Unit 8200 – the army gives young Israelis something that exists nowhere else in the world: It instills values, it makes young people more mature. If the US had mandatory military service, even for a year, we would see a dramatic change in the character of American youth. They would receive important values and become different people from what we see today on American university campuses.

"In that sense, the year that I've lived in Israel has completely changed my perspective. The way I look at the military and the meaning of military service is not the way I looked at it when I was just an American Jewish boy."

Q: Since you brought it up, do you feel more Israeli or American?

"I'll tell the truth: I understand Hebrew very well, but I prefer to speak English. Let them think I don't understand a word of Hebrew, it's good for business," he laughs. "I live on Rothschild in Tel Aviv, I have a team in Jerusalem, and of course – I have an Israeli girlfriend. But when I look at my future I know that at some point I'll live in the US. That's where I was born, where I grew up, and that's my background. It's clear to me that Israel will be a very significant part of my life, and it's not like I'll be able to spend a whole year of my life without being in Israel.

"You see how the entire country rallies for the captives and pitches in for one another; these are things that don't exist elsewhere in the world. I contributed my small part this year and hoped to make an impact, but many people around me did amazing things that anyone looking from the outside stood in awe of."

Q; So what did Israel actually do for you personally?

"If there's one thing I've improved at since being here – I definitely feel more brazen than I was when I arrived in Israel. It's something I've learned from Israelis, and it's actually nice, although I still have room for improvement in that too."

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The security guards awaited Enes Kanter Freedom at the coffee shop. From the looks of it, it was as if the president of the United States or some crime boss was about to arrive, not a Turkish NBA player, who was selected third in the 2011 draft. But this is what happens when a larger-than-life professional athlete takes on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or comes out against China.

"My career was hit bigtime. I haven't seen my family for nine years," Kanter said after he and his massive entourage arrived and took their seats. "People need to understand that the things I talk about are larger than me or even basketball. Money is important, glory is important, but the values are more important." 

Q: Where are you going to play next year? 

"Probably not in the NBA. Because the league is too intimidated by China as this is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Just last year, more people in China watched NBA games than the total US population." 

Q: Commissioner Adam Silver said that it is your right to speak your mind. 

"That's a lie. Last week recordings emerged in which NBA officials – including one of the owners – could be heard saying that this is a business and that talking about China would eventually force you out of the league. I am 30, and I don't want to retire. I can easily play for another five years. But I can't even play in the EuroLeague because Turkish Airlines is a sponsor, so I set up a  foundation and I plan to be involved in that." 

Q: But haven't you had a good time playing the game? 

"I had a great time. I have played for 11 years in the league, I called my fellow teammates "brothers" but now, unfortunately, they are too afraid to even text or call me. I still love them." 

Q: Can you understand where they are coming from? 

"No, I offered them to join me, I told them we can create a movement, but they responded with, 'We love you and support you but we cannot be outspoken about it.' When I asked them why they said, 'We have sponsorship agreements with shoe manufacturers and we want to play in the league for many years.'

"I have been speaking on human rights. I have never said 'vote for this person or that person.' I believe that God gave athletes a huge platform and you are like an educator and that is an immense responsibility. You have to talk about what's happening around the world, to inspire and encourage, especially the younger generations." 

Q: Can you change the world? 

"I can, this is why I am here, in Israel. When was the last time that a Muslim person arrived here to promote peace and coexistence, and I am not just talking about athletes. I would like to be the one who makes the first step, because I know that my visit will inspire many Muslim children, regardless of what their parents tell them. That's because the younger generations follow me.." 

Q: You are not the only one who has had to deal with Erdogan, Israel has also had its ups and downs with him, mainly downs. 

"There are elections in Turkey in 2023, so he trying to come closer to America and Israel, but I have been with so many world leaders who have told me, 'You can't trust a dictator, because as soon as he gets what he wants, he will turn on you.'"

Q: Do you want to enter politics? 

"I have asked many whether this is important but they said 'absolutely not,', especially in the US, which is so polarized. They explained that if I throw my hat in the ring, I would have to choose a side and then I would lose 50% of the population. Human rights are not just about politics." 

Kanter Freedom arrived in Israel under the auspices of the Jewish-American association Bnai Zion. The CEO and founder, Rabbi Ari Lamm, has been following the player as an avid fan for the New York Knicks, together with COO Justin B. Hayet. They brought him to Jerusalem, where he was to run a basketball camp for Muslims, Jews, Christian, and Druze kids.

"This is a war zone," he said after I reminded him about the ongoing tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he said he wanted to visit. "My visit shows that I don't mind; what I care about is the peace and we are going to play basketball and put together the same team of Muslim and Jewish kids and they will learn how to win together. We will start building something big." 

Q: So why Israel out of all places?

"This is the craziest story. When I was eight, times were tough in Turkey. I remember that one day I went down to play with friends and saw them burning Israeli and American flags. I was really scared and didn't know what to do. I went back up to the apartment and my mother told me, 'I am not going to tell you what to do but don't hate anyone until you have actually met them.'

"When I was 17 I landed in Chicago for the first time. I was so scared and nervous because I had grown up in an environment where I was preached to hate the West. When two Americans started talking to me I turned my back on them, because I didn't know what to expect. I started talking and shook their hands, and they were the nicest people ever, right from our first encounter. It did not take long before I met a Jewish girl who invited me over to a Shabbat dinner. When I was there I asked her whether she was Turkish, because everything seemed so similar: the food, the culture, the songs. Everyone was just so nice, so I told myself that I had to spread this message to every Muslim I meet. Ever since I have been texting my Jewish friends every week asking if I can come to Shabbat dinner. I have even started listening to Omer Adam."

Q: Have you met Deni Avdija? 

"We first met when I played against him in DC. At halftime, I went over to shake hands and told him, 'stand for your country, your people, and your flag.' He has a great platform to inspire millions. I hold him in high regard." 

Q:  His first years in the league were not so easy.

"The NBA is tough. You play against Kevin Durant qne LeBron James, but this is what it takes to succeed. He constantly needs to focus on how to be a team player and bring good vibes. He has an important role because he represents Israel, he carries a lot on his shoulders." 

Q: You were selected third in the Draft, he came in ninth. Does that place pressure on you? 

"It is an immense responsibility to be among the top ten because everyone expects so much from you, so it is best to ignore the background noise because many will try to speak with him and dispense advice. You need to focus on how to improve and help the team."

Kanter Freedom said that he tried to have dinner with Omri Casspi, with which he has remained in contact. We asked him to name the best player that he has met. "I played against Kobe Bryant," he reminded me. "I would say Kobi and Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and of course LeBron." 

Q: What is the best team you have played against? 

"Golden State Warriors. I hated playing against them, perhaps because it is one of the greatest teams of all time. Its three-pointers are just unstoppable."

Q: Let's say Maccabi Tel Aviv asks you to come, what will you say? 

"Of course, I would be happy. As a teenager, I watched the Euroleague, especially Panathinaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv, because they were very successful. When I grew up I was told 'don't root for Maccabi, because you will be called a traitor,' but here I am, in Israel, for the first time. So why not? It will be amazing."  

Q: Do you fear for your life? 

"Of course, at least twice or three times a week. I work closely with the FBI and when I fly to other countries I stay in contact with the local security services. This is just how it is, people need to know that in order for others to live better, their actions could have consequences." 

The post 'I know that my visit will inspire many Muslim children' appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Bruce Pearl is one of the most fascinating figures in US college basketball. The 62-year-old coach has been in the coaching business for some 40 years, first as an assistant coach for ten years, and then as the head coach of four different teams.

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Pearl is probably the highest-ranking Jewish coaching figure these days, with dozens of NBC players cutting their teeth under his wings before embarking on their professional careers. In August, Pearl will visit Israel with  Auburn University, where he has been head coach since 2014. According to the Auburn Tigers' website, he has led the team to 138 wins, two Southeastern Conference championships, consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, and the program's first-ever appearance in the Final Four.

The visit is organized in collaboration with the Israeli Basketball Association. On a recent private visit to Israel, Pearl granted Israel Hayom an exclusive interview. "My grandfather and grandmother arrived from Europe, they were Orthodox Jews who kept kosher; my grandfather was a plumber," he said early in the morning at the David Citadel hotel's dining area in Jerusalem just before he was set to go on a tour of the old city.

"When I was seven I saw my grandfather was watching television, which was something he had never done before. I asked him why he was crying, so he had me sit on his lap and told me about the state of Israel. He said he doesn't want to go to sleep because he is concerned that he could wake up with Israel gone. This is my first memory of Israel."

Pearl is staunchly pro-Israeli and never misses an opportunity to show solidarity with the Jewish state. He formed the Jewish Coaches Association, whose membership comprises over 100 coaches. He is also a member of the Jewish-American organization that seeks to inform members of congress on Israeli issues.

"I grew up as a conservative Jew and went to a Jewish school," he said. "I studied the Bible, I gave to charity and we believed in planting trees in Israel and supported this cause. We bought things from Israel because it was important for us, my family grew up in Boston in a Zionist environment that was proud of its ties to Israel, and this is where I got my love for the state."

"This is the right time" 

Pearl's journey to Israel will be carried out under the auspices of an organization that seeks to bring African Americans and Jewish closer, which he is part of. Pearl hopes to start a tradition in which one of the major college basketball teams arrives every year in Israel to hold a game against their Israeli counterparts. Liron Fanan, who is the director of player developments at the Cleveland Cavaliers and the scout for the team, made this connection between Auburn College, Pearl, and the Israeli Basketball Association.

"I was here in 2009 and coached the US team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games. This was my first time in Israel and it was a unique experience. I took 12 young Jews and showed them their Jewish home. This gave me an opportunity to turn them into better Jewish fathers and better allies for Israel. In recent years I have been telling myself that if I could give Jewish-American players an experience like those that they can get in the [10-day tour] of Birthright-Israel, then why not do so in college basketball," he said, explaining the rationale for the project."

"Ninety-five percent of the players I coach are African American, and the way I see it, there is a bond between the African American community and the Jewish community. We were both slaves and suffered from antisemitism or racism. I don't think my players learned about this, and by bringing them to Israel I get the opportunity to show the players what we all have in common. This is what Bob Kraft did in the NFL and this is what NBA players like Ray Allen experienced and what Omri Casspi pursued over the years. Under the rules of the league, every college can go play abroad once every four years. This had me go to Japan, China, Italy, and other places around the world. So why not Israel? People here love basketball and understand and support it, and Israelis are good at playing. It's been a while since a major college has visited."

"This is not just a one-off deal. I am sowing the seeds that I think will grow into something special. We want to see a major college team visit Israel every year, not just Jews. We have many Christian coaches who engage in Bible study with their players. Why shouldn't they play in the land where Jesus was born? Abraham is our ancestor, Jesus represents the start of Christianity; everything happened here in Israel."

Auburn University's planned visit has attracted a lot of attention, and ESPN will report on it regularly and even broadcast the games. "This is the right moment. The NFL and NCAA return only in September, and the NHL and NBA are also on break now, so why not visit Israel and see one of our major teams play the great courts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem against the Israeli national team, which is considered by many around the world as very successful?"

The news that Auburn was going to hold games in Israel, riled up antisemitic and pro-Palestinian groups. Pearl believes this actually gives him a good opportunity to bolster Israel's image.

Do you believe this visit can change how Israel is perceived in the US for the better?

"Undoubtedly. The US has always been Israel's biggest ally. I say this as an American Jew who believes in supporting Israel. Israel is now the US's greatest ally in the Middle East. I am thrilled over the prospect of peace and normalization introduced with the Abraham Accords. The matches could have the ability to expand toward Morocco or the UAE. Maybe we can hold a joint tournament with the NCAA and Middle Eastern teams."

Pearl is one of the most-talked-about coaches in college basketball in recent decades. Under his wings, a whole crop of stars emerged and went on to play in the best league the world has known. This includes Jabari Smith Jr. the 19-year-old forward who is 6 ft 10., whose scoring skills are very much like Kevin Durant and Michael Porter Jr. Over the past year, he averaged 17.1 points and 7.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. During the draft in June, he was selected No. 3 overall by the Houston Rockets.

"I had the best player on the court in Jabari Smith, for his size, he's the best jump shooter I've seen in college in 10 years. He is everything one needs to become an all-star in the league," Pearl said.

The fact that someone with Smith's size manages to score so many three-pointers has a lot to do with the philosophy the Jewish coach subscribes to. Pearl's approach to the game, which he has implemented for many years, centers on quick maneuvers and many throws from outside the three-point line. "Three-pointers have been my thing for the past 20 years, and now that the NBA is following suit is their problem," he smiles. "For years, we have swamped the court with 3-pointers and playing this way, and now the NBA game has changed and different expectations are set for tall players."

Q: In the past, players would stay in college basketball before moving on to the NBA, but in recent years most of the stars make that leap after one year. Does that make it hard for you to do your job as a coach?

"You are correct. In recent years, I had four players who played one year and then went to the draft. This puts a lot of pressure on us, but in college basketball, your task is to help someone adjust from high school to their career path in a smooth way. Usually, it takes four years to get a college degree and then move on and start a family, but in basketball sometimes all you need is one or two seasons to prepare them for life, and the NBA always wants to tap their potential as soon as possible. So this process is challenging but I am glad it works for the kids by giving them a chance."

This past January Pearl signed on for another eight years at Auburn University and according to various reports, he could get over $50 million for the entire period. Or as the official statement said, he became coach "for life." In fact, he is believed to be the highest-paid coach in US college basketball. Pearl reportedly chose to stay with Auburn despite being offered lucrative sums by other colleges.

Have you ever considered using your expertise in the NBA?

"In 2011, Donnie Nelson, president of basketball operations roles for the Dallas Mavericks at the time, offered me to be the head coach of their affiliate. This was after I had left Tennessee and I almost took it. But I felt that despite being a good coach, I would prefer to be a good father and teacher. I believe that God put me where I am so that I can make an impact as best as I can. I look at the role of head coach as that of a teacher, perhaps even like that of a basketball rabbi. Our successes are due to our culture and chemistry within the team. It is because we connect the players to the path and to our discipline. This is the formula. That is why I decided that college basketball is the best place for me and for what I try to accomplish through basketball."

Q: You are very energetic and emotional during games.

"I am the same person during training and during the games. I act the same whether I am playing a team from Division I or from Division II, or in practice. I am intense and my players get to see the same person all the time; this has an effect on them. As a general rule, you must listen to what a person has to say and not how they say it."

"I made a mistake – and paid a price"

Pearl, despite his stellar career, suffered a setback a decade ago when it emerged that he had violated the rules by unofficially meeting prospects. He was fined heavily and was suspended for several years.

"I wanted them to join Tennessee and invited them for a barbecue in my home with another hundred people, but they were too young. I know I erred and I shouldn't have done it. It was a mistake and I paid for it, but God has a plan, and that is how I ended up where I am. Auburn is a very special place and I am grateful for every moment I am there."

Could you one day work in Israel or perhaps coach one of the younger teams here?

"It will be difficult for me to speak with the Israeli players and share my thoughts with them. If I arrive it will be after my retirement, to live here," he says with a smile.

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Ukraine's national basketball team has been in Spain since the Russian invasion of their country. Last Thursday, the Ukrainians played against the Spanish in a World Cup qualifier (which they lost 88:74) and since then they have remained in Spain as guests of the host team.

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"The atmosphere on the court was incredible and the support for the people of Ukraine was very moving. It wasn't easy to play basketball with the players worrying about their families and children in Ukraine," the team's Latvian coach Ainars Bagatskis told Israel Hayom.

On Monday, the team traveled to Latvia where Bagatskis had arranged for them to stay in Riga for as long as they wish. Some of the players will return to their clubs around Europe.

"Throughout the world, when a country has a problem, peaceful solutions are found. Only weak people try to solve conflicts through war," says Bagatskis, barely trying to hide his anger at the Russian authorities. "The way the world is reacting to the situation and supporting Ukraine is incredible. For me, the war is not against Russia, but just against Putin himself. All my friends around the world, including my friends in Russia, are completely behind Ukraine."

Bagatskis, who in the past spent a few months as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, has been in Ukraine for several years. He has coached several top teams in the country as well as the national team. He says he is extremely worried about the situation in the country he has come to know so well: "I'm very worried because my friends in Ukraine have been sheltering underground because missiles are being fired in the street. One can not remain silent in such a situation. The situation is bad. I hope that a solution will be found quickly and that life will return to normal as fast as possible."

Asked whether he is afraid to return to Ukraine after the war, Bagatskis replies: "No, I am not afraid, because the Ukrainians have been showing over the past few days what they are made of and how strong they are. And Ukraine is not alone; the whole world supports it and will help it."

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Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, the Israel Basketball Association has been in touch with several basketball associations in the Arab world with the aim of signing cooperation agreements with them. The Bahrain Basketball Association and the United Arab Emirates Basketball Association have both expressed an interest and have been in touch with the head of the IBA, Amiram Halevy, and its CEO, Jacob Ben Shoshan. But the contacts have yet to mature into a signed agreement.

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Last month, history was made when Morocco became the first Arab country to sign a cooperation agreement with the Israel Basketball Association.

"I am very happy for both countries about the agreement we have signed,"  said Moustafa Aourach, president of the Moroccan Royal Basketball Federation (FAMBB), in an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom. "The project is one for many years, not just a symbolic signature, without continuation. It is important to us for it to stretch into the future. We have set goals for cooperation for the future of the children of both countries."

Q: What do both sides have to gain from this cooperation?

"Israel has its advantages and Morocco has its advantages. The Israeli Basketball Association has reached a high standard of professional basketball and is held in high esteem in Europe. Moroccan basketball is also professional and is making good progress.

"We will take the advantages of both sides in order to meet our goals of cooperation and through this, we shall create a bridge to the world and every association will be able to connect to parallel associations in other countries."

"The cooperation between the sides will be reflected not only from a sporting perspective but also from a cultural and social perspective. I hope that this agreement will send a message to the world that sport can connect nations and peoples

"People in Morocco are very happy about the normalization with Israel," Aourach said. "There have always been connections between Israel and Morocco and now they are growing stronger. I am happy that I will meet our Jewish Moroccan brothers from Israel and we plan to come to Israel in the future. Normalization is very important to both peoples and I'm sure it will have great benefits for everyone."

Over the past few years, Aourach and his people have been leading a comprehensive program to make basketball a popular sport in Morocco. One of the first steps they took was to overcome stigmas and obstacles and set up a professional basketball league for women. There are now many women who play the game in the country. Basketball is now part of the curriculum in many schools around the country and the aim is for many of the kids to come to continue playing, some of them as amateurs and some as professionals. There are also plans to train basketball coaches across the country. Several have been sent to countries in Europe to increase their level of professionalism.

"In recent years we have worked very hard to strengthen the professional leagues in Morocco, including the Women's League,"  said Aourach. "Women have begun to play basketball at a strong and organized level and we want everyone who wants to play basketball in Morocco to have the opportunity to do so."

History was made in the current season of the Moroccan basketball league when an Israeli player by the name of Mohamed Abu Arisha from the Arab town of Fureidis near Zichron Yaakov joined AMI Basket, one of the top teams in the Moroccan league. A graduate of Israel's national youth team, Abu Arisha, has been a star for AMI and is considered one of the leading players in the league.

"We have a strong desire to see more Israeli players in Morocco," said Aourach. "For example, we would like to see players who are the children of Moroccan Jews come to play here, and other Israeli as well. That would be a source of great pride for all of us. We will work to get Moroccan players coming to Israel as well. That will help basketball in both countries."

Q: When will we see you here in Israel?

"Everything is in the hands of God. From my perspective, I would like to have come to visit Israel already but because of the coronavirus, everything has become more difficult. I would love to come and see my brothers in Israel."

Work on creating collaboration between the two basketball associations began after the signing of the normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco in December 2020 and went on for almost a year. The woman behind the effort is Leah Ben Sheetrit, a Jewish resident of Morocco, who has coordinated collaboration efforts. She was also responsible for the collaboration agreements signed a few months ago between the education ministries of the two countries.

"A day after the signing of the normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco we started to work on this," said Ben Sheetrit. "It was very important for us to include basketball, which is a very popular sport in both countries. I believe that the agreement will lead in the future to additional collaboration in economic and social projects, and perhaps in other branches of sport. I would like to thank the King of Morocco, who stood behind the cooperation between the countries, and strengthened the connection between the peoples."

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In a historic first, the Israeli and Moroccan basketball associations agreed on Thursday to sign a cooperation agreement during a Zoom conversation between the two parties.

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The deal will be signed at a special ceremony in Morocco in the spring and will constitute the first cooperation of its kind between Israel and an Arab nation. A symbolic basketball game will also take place.

The president and secretary-general of the Israel Basketball Association Amiram Halevy and Yaacov Ben Shoshan and former basketball players of Moroccan origin Shimon Amsalem and Eran Atiya participated in the Zoom call, as did President of Morocco's Basketball Association Moustafa Aourach and other Moroccan officials.

The agreement is expected to include professional, social, and educational ties, with Aourach having said one of Morocco's goals is to learn from Israeli basketball achievements.

"We are proud of the cooperation that has been forged between the two sides," Halevi said. "Sports in general, and basketball in particular, is a great way to bridge gaps and bring people together. We believe this cooperation will benefit both parties."

The Moroccan delegation said that Israeli basketball player Mohamed Abu Arisha, who has recently signed a contract to play for a team based in Morocco, will be invited to the ceremony in the spring.

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Israeli basketball player Mohamed Abu Arisha recently made history by becoming the first Israeli player contracted by an Arab team, Israel Hayom learned Tuesday.

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The 24-year-old forward has signed a one-year contract with Morocco's Association Michlifen Ifrane Basketball, more commonly known as AMI Basket. The club was established in 2014 in Ifrane, in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, and competes in the Division Excellence, the national top-level league.

Abu Arisha, who played for Hapoel Beersheba in the Israeli Basketball Premier League as well as the Israeli national basketball team, has been in Ifrane for over two months and is considered one of the leading foreign players in the Moroccan league.

Making professional strides, he has so far averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

AMI Basket has had a good so far showing in the first leg of the 2021/22 season. It currently tops the northern district clans, with a perfect string of seven wins in seven games.

Born in the central Israeli city of Hadera, the 6'7 (2.1 meters)-tall Abu Arisha played club ball at Israel's prestigious Wingate Basketball Academy and then attended Elev8 Sports Academy in Delray Beach, Florida.

He followed up by attending Jacksonville State University from 2016-18, playing for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. In 2020 he got a scholarship to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College where he played for the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers.

The Israel Basketball Association has labeled Abu Arisha as one of the academy's most promising players from a young age. In 2015, he attended a prestigious basketball camp in the US, which only admits the 100 most promising junior players in the world.

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Former basketball player and now coach assistant Naomi Kolodny will be making history on Sunday when she will become the head coach of the Maccabi Ashdod team in a national league game against Maccabi Hod Hasharon.

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Kolodny, 39, will be temporarily replacing former Maccabi Ashdod head coach Offer Rahimi, who has been dismissed due to an unsuccessful start of the season.

Of the 10 games the team has played since the launch of the season, it lost eight.

Sunday's game will make Kolodny the first female head coach to oversee a men's team in the national league.

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The 33-year-old made history in 2009 when he became the first Israeli to land a contract with an NBA team after being selected in the Draft. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players in Israeli history.

Casspi has played for iconic Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv for the last two seasons at, but he has been plagued by injuries.

In his announcement Sunday, the former captain of Israel's national basketball team said, "The game has given so much over the years. I have reached the heights of basketball in Europe and around the world in a way the I could have never imagined before, playing against Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and even went to the White House.

"I never believe I'd make those dreams come true," he said, "but I realized it was my time to quit active basketball and start the next stage in life."

During his 10-year NBA career, Casspi played for the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors.

"Omri Casspi's career has shown us how much hard work and sacrifice are required, and how much determination is necessary when you want to become an elite athlete," Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper said.

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Omri Casspi, one of Maccabi Tel Aviv's most recognizable faces, announced on Sunday that he was ending his professional basketball career.

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The 33-year-old made history by becoming the first Israeli to land a contract with an NBA team after being selected in the Draft and is considered one of the greatest basketball players in Israeli history.

In his announcement, on Sunday the former captain of Israel's national team said: "The game has given so much. I have reached the heights of basketball in Europe and around the world in a way the I could have never imagined before, playing against Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and even went to the White House."

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