|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Hapoel Jerusalem will seek to regain momentum in EuroCup play when it visits Hamburg Towers at the Inselpark Arena on Tuesday night. The Reds, currently 7-4 and sitting in second place in Division B, face a Hamburg side languishing in last place with a 2-9 record.
Hamburg’s last EuroCup victory came in November against Aris, but the team hopes to build on its domestic league win over Vechta this past Saturday. In contrast, Jerusalem fell to Bnei Herzliya, losing its hold on first place in the Israeli league.
Injury Concerns for Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s preparations for the game have been hampered by a string of injuries. Big men Austin Wiley and Justin Smith remain sidelined, while Nimrod Levi is still recovering from an offseason setback.
The team’s woes deepened during last week’s loss to Bnei Herzliya, with guard Noam Dovrat sustaining an ankle injury that will keep him out for several weeks.
Adding to the challenges, Yovel Zoosman injured his knee during the final practice session before that game and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday.
Head coach Yonatan Alon, facing a shorthanded lineup, will need to rely heavily on veteran players like Jared Harper, Chris Johnson, and Khadeen Carrington.
Despite the adversity, Alon is known for his tactical acumen and has guided Jerusalem through challenging fixtures before.
Hamburg’s Recent Resurgence
Hamburg Towers, although struggling in EuroCup play, have shown signs of improvement since signing Johnathan Stove last month. Stove, a 28-year-old shooting guard, has averaged 17 points in nearly 31 minutes across three EuroCup games.
His leadership and scoring ability have brought stability to a team that has fielded 16 different players this season due to injuries.
Stove, who previously played under Alon during the 2021/22 season at Hapoel Galil Elyon, expressed respect for his former mentor and acknowledged Jerusalem’s strength.
“Hapoel Jerusalem is a veteran team with experienced players. Injuries won’t stop them from being prepared,” Stove said in a pre-game interview with The Jerusalem Post.
“This game is a good test for us, and we need to put together a complete performance to compete at a high level.”
Stove’s Journey and Connection to Israel
Stove’s basketball journey has taken him across Europe, including stints in Greece, Germany, and Israel. He fondly recalled his time in the Upper Galilee, playing for Hapoel Galil Elyon, where he formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed the region’s serene beauty.
“It was my first year abroad, and it was a dream come true to play at such a high level. The people there showed so much love and support,” Stove said.
Despite opportunities to return to Israel this season, Stove chose Hamburg, citing timing and professional growth. However, he left the door open for a future return to Israeli basketball.
A High-Stakes Matchup
As the game approaches, both teams have much to prove. For Hamburg, a victory would signal progress in a difficult season. For Jerusalem, the challenge lies in overcoming injuries and maintaining its strong EuroCup standing.
With veteran leadership on both sides and a history of resilience, Tuesday’s clash promises to be a closely contested battle at the Inselpark Arena.