40 Minutes Away Uri
Savir ,09/12/2005
Israel overcame an early 17-point deficit despite a terrible free throw shooting
night and with 9 late points by Hajaj defeated the Czech Republic 83-78. Tonight
against Hungary, it's all or nothing. It didn't go easy at all. Tapiro has had
another poor evening, Burstein looked like Shaque from the line (6 for 14!) and
the Czech ran to an early 17-point lead. But Israel under coach Sherf have a
great spirit, which helped them to win and get within 40 minutes from the
European Championships. Burton was in a great zone, scoring 13 first
quarter points, as only Green answers with 10 of his own. The Czech led 26-21
after one quarter, but Starosta was unstoppable in the paint, and 8 unanswerred
points made it a 34-21 lead, when Welsch picked up hsi 3rd personal foul. Israel
finished 5 minutes with only one field goal, and the margin was as high as
43-26, when Burstein started the run with a three-pointer and an assist to
Shason's 3-point play, quickly followed by another trey. Markovich and Kozikaro
locked the hoop and threw away the key, Shason converted and Burstein closed the
16-0 run just like it started with as he connected from outside.
The Czech finished the half with a basket and a 45-42 lead, but Israel didn't
stop and scored another 7 straight points to complete a 23-2 amazing run to put
them 4 points ahead. Welsch picked up another foul, but Burstein made only 3 of
10 foul shots, and Israel was still trailing after 30 minutes, 58-60. Welsch,
with 6 clutch points, made it a 4-point game, but Hajaj took the call. It
started with a huge three-pointer, continued with a great assist to Green and
another bank shot made it 76-73. Welsch couldn't excute and Israel scored 7 of 8
foul shots down the stretch, including 4 by the MVP Hajaj, to ice the win,
83-78.
Burstein had 16 (7 rebs, 4 as), Hajaj 15 (6-6 FT, 4 st), Green 14, Shason 11,
Tapiro 8, Kozikaro 5, Markovich 2 and Watson 1. Milos tallied 15 in a losing
cause, Burton added 13 (all in the first quarter), Welsch and Benda 10 each and
Whitfield 9.
Halperin Joins the NT
Uri Savir ,09/06/2005
Yotam Halperin, who signed in Olimpija Ljubljana last week, will replace Barak
Peleg in the national team 12-man roster to Novisad.
Surprising change of plan in the national team, 3 days before Israel takes off
to the additional qualifying tournament in Novisad: Yotam Halperin, the young
talented playmaker, replaces Barak Peleg, who can't join the trip because of
personal medical issues.
Halperin, who moved last week to Olimpija Ljubljana, starred this summer in the
U-21 World Championships in Argentina, where he led the tournament in scoring
and was elected to the 1st team. Maccabi Tel Aviv's talent has already played
with Israel in the European Championship in 2003 and also participated in the
qualifiers last summer. He was preferred over Amit Ben-David and Avi Sukar.
Still Perfect
Shlomi Peri 01/09/2005
In a meaningless game in Groningen,
Israel defeated Holland 82-78 and kept their perfect record before the
tournament in Novisad. Israel finish the first additional qualifying tournament
atop of group B with 100% record, after winning tonight in Groningen, 82-78. The
draw for the games in Novisad, on Septmber 11-13, will take place on Monday in
Izmir, Turkey.
Without any pressure, Israel led
almost all game long, as Holland fall to a hole and then slowly climb there way
to a tie, over and again. After 15-14 in the first quarter, Israel ran 8-2
behind Afik Nissim's good first half (10 points). The local side came back, but
8 straight points gave Israel the intermission lead, 40-37. Like the game
against Belgium, Israel's best period was the third. Tal Burstein, who had just
3 points before the half (Exactly like in Leuven), exploded after the break and
led a big run which set the margin at its highest with 15 points. By the end of
the quarter, the Blue-White squad led 65-52. That was also the moment when
Israel stopped playing. The Dutch ran 25-11 to take a 77-76 lead with a minute
to go, but Shelef, Nissim and Hajaj each went to the line and calmly iced the
win with 2 good foul shots, 82-78 in the end.
Tal Burstein led with 18 points (15
in the second half), Shelef and Nissim added 12 each, Hajaj 10, Green 8, Tapiro
and Mizrachi 5 each, Watson and Shason 4 each, Peleg and Kozikaro 2 each,
Markovich didn't score. Akerboom jr. had 16 in a losing cause, Elson added 13,
but just 2 of them after the break.
In other games, the Czech Republic
also secured a perfect record with a 69-64 win in Poland. Hungary lost to Sweden,
73-67 and finished with a 3-1 record.
Hajaj's Player of the
Month
Uri Savir ,31.08.2005
Dror Hajaj, AEK Athens' new player and the newest member of the national team,
is "Safsal"'s August Player of the Month. You can't tell by the first look,
neither on his stats, but Dror Hajaj is one of the most important players in
Zvika Sherf's squad. And to think that only a year from now, he wouldn't have
enterred a 25-man roster. But that's his story. Not every player makes a
Euroleague team from the little Belgic one, not every player goes Europe after
playing several seasons in the second league here. Hajaj was good in Belgium and
against Holland, but we pick him because of his great steals and fight he gave
in a rather bad game against Belgium, which changed the momentum more than once
and secured Israel's place in Novisad.
Israel
is Through to the Next Round
Uri Savir ,08/29/2005
It went harder than expected against the aggressive Belgian team, but in the end
Israel walk away victorious 69-67, and ensures their Novisad berth.
Israel 69 - Belgium 67
Tapiro started instead of the ill Nissim, and three-pointers by him and
Mizrachi put Israel ahead. However, Van Dorpe had the game of his life with 3
great triples in a 10-0 run, which given the visitors a 24-17 lead.
Hajaj, great fight
Axel Hervelle from Real Madrid, reached double-double before intermission,
and like Van Dorpe nailed 3 early three's. Watson and Burstein got Israel within
6, but M'Benga led a 9-0 run, which set the highest margin at 13 points and at
the half it was 43-32, almost similar to the game in Leuven. Once again it was
Israel's time to show what a great second half team they are. Burstein took
Hervelle on defense, and scored 5 points to spark a 10-3 run. By the end of the
quarter, after another great Tapiro basket, it was only 54-55.
Markovic. Great contribution off the bench
Erez Markovic scored the first 6 points of the final period, twice from
Watson's assists, and Israel regained the lead from the first time in almost 30
minutes. The sea-saw began, but Muya with great drives tied the game at 65.
Tapiro scored a terrific reverse layup, Hajaj stole the ball from Hervelle
underneath and Burstein increased the margin to 4. Muya made 2 foul shots, and
Tapiro's three-pointer went in and out, but Shelef's great steal iced the
victory, 69-67, and sent Israel to Novisad.
Green had 14, Burstein 13, Tapiro 12, Watson 10, Markovich 6, Shelef 5, Mizrachi
3, Hajaj, Kozikaro and Peleg 2 each. Van Dorpe had 22 in a losing cause,
Hervelle added 14 and 12 boards.
Easy Day at the Office
Uri Savir 23.08.2005
Holland looked very bad tonight, and was crushed 60-89 by Israel, who could've
won by a much higher margin if they really wanted. Another win against Belgium,
and Israel is in Novisad. It was easier than expected. Without 5 of their
players, Holland didn't put out a good fight for Israel, who now needs one more
win to make the final tournament in Novisad.
A 15-0 run to close the opening period set an amazing result on the scoreboard,
maybe a record one, 22-4 to Israel, which was led by Burstein, Shelef, Tapiro
(11 points in his first 4 minutes on the floor) and the quick Hajaj. Kingma
broke the drought in the second quarter with a surprisingly soft touch, and the
Orange team started to get a little more acquainted with the baskets in Nahariya.
Israel on the other hand, slowed down a little, and led 46-29 at intermission,
after Jansen made the visitors' first three-pointer with the buzzer. The third
quarter was still very calm, until Barak Peleg's three-pointer with the period's
buzzer sparked a 12-0 game clinching run. Sherf let everyone play, and Avi Sukar,
who will play in Nahariya, got his first appearance of the campaign. He was also
honored to begin the game's most beautiful play with a 15-meter pass to Shason,
who left the ball behind the back to Markovich, who finished with a monster
slam. In the end, 89-60 to the Blue-White squad, very similar result to Holland's
last trip to Israel (90-61 then). Another win on Monday against Belgium, and
Israel will secure the first place in group B.
For Israel: Tapiro 15 pts, 7 reb, 5 ass , Shelef 12
pts, 8 ass, 4 st , Burstein 10 pts, Hagag 9 pts, 5 ass, Green 9, Markovich 8,
Shason 7, Peleg 6, Sukar 4, Mizrahi 3, Nissim 3, Watson 3
For Netherlands: Flanders 11, Jansen 10, Van Der Kamp
8, Kingma 8, Harris 7, Akerboom 7, Hilliman 6, Timmermans 2, Van Der Holst 1,
Ormskerk
Other matches tonight: Czech Republic defeated Poland 73-64
in group A action, while Hungary joined the Czech and Israel as the third
unbeaten team, as they defeated Sweden at home, 75-68.
Israel Overcame Belgium
Uri Savir 20.08.2005
Israel trailed by 12 points at the break, but Burstein scored 21 points after
intermission to secure Israel's come from behind 79-75 win in Belgium. At first
it looked very bad, but in the end Israel shows great strength in the second
half and wins the first game in the last chance tournament on the road, 79-75 in
Belgium. Israel was behind 32-44 at the half, after losing Ido Kozikaro to an
injury, but 21 points by Burstein after the half, along to Hajaj who played in
his homecourt from last season in Leuven, gave the Blue-Whites an important last
quarter run. 13 ticks to go, Burstein made two crucial free throws, and Nissim
iced the victory from the line.
Burstein 24, Shelef 13, Hajaj and Green 10 each, Tapiro 5, Watson and Kozikaro 4
each, Mizrachi, Nissim and Markovic 3 each. Shason didn't score.
Another Win in Turkey!
Uri Savir ,07.08.2005
For the second time in 4 days, again in front of national TV, Israel defeats
Turkey 82-71 in Istanbul Tournament. Israel wraps up their preparation games
with another huge victory in Turkey, 82-71, in Istanbul tournament which was
held this weekend. Israel lost only to Latvia and Turkey B. Great start by Yaniv
Green and Meir Tapiro gave Israel a 23-20 lead, but Okur woke up his team and
the crowd and led Turkey to a 40-39 intermission lead. Akyol, who led Turkey's
U-18 to the Silver medal, was terrific, but Kozikaro and Mizrachi joined the
party and retained the lead. Later, Burstein made some important hoops, Tapiro
and Green kept their amazing game and Israel finished a 43-31 second half!
Green had 20, Tapiro 18, Burstein 15, Mizrachi 10, Kozikaro 8, Nissim 6, Watson
5, Shelef, Sukar, Markovic and Hajaj didn't score. Sharon Shason didn't play
once again.
Okur had 17 points and 11 boards in a losing cause, Turkoglu added 15, Turkcan
and Akyol 11 each.
Israel
Crushes Poland, Again
Safsal 06.08.2005
For the fourth time this summer, Israel has no problems with Poland, 92-67.
Shason didn't play because of an incident with Coach Sherf. Tomorrow: the last
game against host Turkey. Israel's national team crushed Poland tonight in
Istanbul, 92-67. That was the fourth victory of Israel on the Poles this summer,
after 3 wins in Israel. After 20-15 in the first quarter, Israel geared up
and ran to a 49-28 lead. The second half was garbage time, which allowed the
teams to test new lineups. Avi Sukar led the team for the first time with
14 points, Shelef added 12, Kozikaro 11, Burstein and Watson 10 each, Mizrachi
9, Markovic and Hajaj 8 each, Green 6, Nissim 4, Tapiro didn't score. Sharon
Shason didn't play because of an incident he had with Coach Zvika Sherf
yeseterday against Turkey B. Shason, who was a starter in Coach Katzurin's
lineup last year, was benched this summer and after Sherf took him out last
night, he said something "inappropriate". The player appologised, but Sherf
decided to punish him. Tomorrow (18:30), Israel will face host Turkey, which
they won 81-71 on Thursday. It'll be Israel's last friendly game before the
Additional tournament for the European Championship in Belgrad.
Israel
Lost to Turkey B
Shlomi Peri 06.08.2005
After the great win over Turkey's national team on Thursday, Israel start the
tournament with a loss to Turkey B, 81-76. Mizrachi had 15.
Israel record its second loss so far in their EC preparations, and it comes from
an unexpected team, Turkey B who are preparing for the Universiada Games. The
Turks led all along, and every time Israel got close or tied, they responded
quickly to retain the lead. Mizrachi had 15, Tapiro 11, Nissim 9, Hajaj and
Kozikaro 8 each, Shelef 7, Markovic and Green 6 each, Shason and Sukar 3 each,
Watson didn't score. Tomorrow (Saturday, 20:00), Israel will face Poland for the
fourth time this summer.
Israel Wins in Turkey
Uri Savir 04.08.2005
Israel started their trip to Turkey on a positive note: 81-71 win over the local
team. Israel surprised Turkey tonight on the road in Abdi Ipakci, Istanbul, in a
nationally televised game. Israel led all the way, en route to an 81-71
convincing victory. Shelef, on his 100th appearance, had a huge game with 17
points and 5 boards. Burstein added 14 and 6 assists, Green 10 (12 rebs), Watson
and Nissim 10 each, Hajaj and Shason 5 each, Markovic and Tapiro 4 each,
Kozikaro 2. Turkuglo 15, Kutluay 12 and Turkcan 9 in a losing cause. The teams
will meet again on Sunday.
Another
Victory in Estonia
Safsal 26.07.2005
For the second time in two days, Israel defeats Estonia on the road, 74-61, and
will travel to Latvia still unbeaten. Another win for the Blue-Whites, again in
Tallin over local Estonia, 74-61. Israel will continue their trip to Latvia with
a clean 5-0 record. Israel led all the way, and extended the margin from period
to period: 18-17 after one, 33-30 at the half and 57-50 after three quarters.
2,700 fans watched their host team play without star Martin Muursepp.
Scorers: Burstein 18, Nissim 16, Green 10, Watson 9 (6 rebs), Shelef and
Mizrachi 6 each, Hajaj 3, Kozikaro and Markovic 2 each, Shason, Tamir and Sukar
didn't score. Tomorrow Israel will travel to Latvia, where they'll finish
the current trip with two games against the home team, which defeated Israel in
last year's preliminary.
Poland is
Here Uri Savir
20.07.2005
The Polish national team has landed in Israel to play 3 friendly games this
weekend. Poland's national team has landed in Israel yesterday, and already
practiced in Ein-Sarah, Nahariya. Poland will also participate in the "Last
Chance" tournament. The 14-man roster: Bartosz Sarzalo, Krzysztof Szubarga,
Pawel Wiekiera, Radoslaw Hyzy, Rafal Bigus, Dawid Witos, Piotr Dobrowolski,
Hubert Radke, Robert Witka, Filip Dylewicz, Pawel Kowalczuk, Marcin Sroka,
Marcin Stefanski and Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz. Two games will be played in
Nahariya, Thursday (20:00) and Friday (16:00), and the last one in Hadar Yosef
in Tel Aviv on Saturday (20:30).
Blatt
Names a 15-Man Squad
Shlomi Peri 15.06.2005
Israel's NT coach, David Blatt, has named the 15-man squad for the team, who'll
start practicing on July 3rd. Israel's new coaching staff, led by head coach
David Blatt and his assistants, Erez Edelstein and Motti Daniel, have named
their 15-man roster for the upcoming "Last Chance" tournament, whose winner will
enter the European Championship. The players are: Itzik Ochanon, Dror
Hajaj, Meir Tapiro, Lior Lubin, Moshe Mizrachi, Amit Tamir, Erez Markovic, Ido
Kozikaro, Sharon Shason, Afik Nissim, Tal Burstein, Gur Shelef, Yaniv Green,
Barak Peleg and Amit Ben-David. The team, which will host Belgium and
Holland in Nahariya, will start their preparations on July 3rd, in Hadar Yosef.
Israel to
host in Nahariya Uri
Savir 29.05.2005
Israel's national team will host Holland and Belgium at "Ein Sara" stadium in
Nahariya. Due to constraction works in Yad Eliyahu stadium this summer, Israel's
national team will host Belgium and Holland in "Ein Sara", Nahariya. The
three teams will play home and away, and only the winner will make the "Last
Chance" tournament in Novisad, SCG on September 11-13, from which the winner
will secure the last European Championship berth. This team will enter Group D
with host Serbia, Spain and Latvia.