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Sam Iorio’s basketball journey in Israel has been a story of persistence, growth, and seizing opportunities. After joining Hapoel Beersheba as a relative unknown last season, the 26-year-old naturalized American struggled to find significant playing time.
However, with the return of coach Rami Hadar, Iorio has blossomed into one of the team’s most reliable players, marking a notable turn in his career.
Iorio’s path to professional basketball in Israel began in the United States, where he played for three colleges—American University, South Alabama, and finally Niagara.
During his two years at Niagara, Iorio established himself as a power forward, averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds per game.
His performance in college basketball earned him a spot on the United States Maccabiah team in 2022, where he helped secure a gold medal under the guidance of coach Doug Gottlieb.
This success put Israeli basketball teams on notice, and soon after, Beersheba offered him a contract for the 2022-2023 season.
Despite high expectations, Iorio’s initial stint at Beersheba was marked by limited playing time. Under former head coach Oren Aharoni, Iorio played an average of just 10 minutes per game, contributing only 1.5 points per contest.
His role remained small at the start of the current season, but a change in leadership provided a new opportunity.
Hadar, who returned to Beersheba after coaching abroad in Kosovo, quickly recognized Iorio’s potential.
“When I arrived, other than Sam, there weren’t any power forwards on the team. The first thing I did was try him out and give him a chance to play, and I wasn’t disappointed,” Hadar explained.
Under his tutelage, Iorio’s playing time jumped to over 20 minutes per game. He quickly proved his worth, scoring 13 points in back-to-back games and providing solid defense for Beersheba.
Iorio himself credits the trust Hadar has shown in him as a major factor in his improvement.
“I appreciate that he has faith in me, and he demands a standard,” Iorio said after a recent game against Maccabi Tel Aviv. “When you’re held to that standard and push yourself every day, there is no choice but to be better.”
In addition to his scoring ability, Iorio has been lauded for his defensive skills, particularly his ability to switch effectively on the pick-and-roll, a rare trait for big men.
“Sam has progressed, he is a professional, always plays hard, puts in effort, and can shoot as well,” Hadar noted. “I’m really enjoying coaching him.”
Iorio’s rise also speaks to the broader trend of Maccabiah alumni carving out successful careers in Israeli basketball.
Players like Spencer Weisz, who also played for the United States Maccabiah team, have set the stage for future generations of athletes like Iorio to make an impact in the Holy Land.
Reflecting on his own experience in the Maccabiah, Iorio described it as one of the best decisions of his life, noting the deep friendships and invaluable experiences he gained. “It was really worth it,” he said.
With Iorio continuing to improve and make his mark in Israel, Beersheba’s next challenge is a matchup against Hapoel Tel Aviv, another top-tier team.
If his recent performances are any indication, Iorio is ready to rise to the occasion and further solidify his role as a key player for Beersheba, proving that hard work and determination truly pay off.