Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins EuroCup as Two Israeli Stars Enter NBA Draft

Hapoel Tel Aviv made Israeli sports history last Friday by capturing its first-ever European basketball title, defeating Spain’s Gran Canaria 103–94 and completing a clean sweep in the EuroCup finals. It’s the first time since 2004 that an Israeli team has won the tournament, and with the triumph, Hapoel now earns a coveted promotion to the EuroLeague, Europe’s premier basketball competition.

“I know that for you, we beat Valencia [in the semifinals] and the Canaries [in the finals], but for me, we beat Hamas,” said team owner Ofer Yanai. “They tried to break our spirit, and they didn’t succeed. We made history tonight. History in Israeli sports, national history.”

The statement reflects more than just a sports victory it underscores the unbreakable Israeli spirit and how athletics continue to be a source of unity and pride, even in difficult times.

Meanwhile, Israeli basketball is also making waves on the global stage, as two Jewish stars officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Danny Wolf, a 7-foot Israeli-American center who just completed a standout season at Michigan, is projected as a first-round pick, currently ranked No. 19 by ESPN. Wolf led the Wolverines to the Sweet 16 and has earned praise for his versatility and leadership.

Joining him is Ben Saraf, a 6-foot-6 Israeli point guard who played professionally in Germany this season. Saraf, long considered one of the top international prospects, is also expected to go in the first round and is currently ranked No. 23 on ESPN’s draft board. “This is the right time for me,” he said.

The future of Israeli basketball looks even brighter with 18-year-old Omer Mayer, another top prospect, committing to Purdue University for the upcoming NCAA season. Mayer, previously with Maccabi Tel Aviv, is one of this year’s most sought-after international recruits.

From Europe’s hardwood courts to America’s NBA arenas, Israeli talent is on the rise unshaken, ambitious, and ready for the spotlight.

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