Reds eye Euroleague promotion amid Israel security concerns
Hapoel Tel Aviv begins its quest for Euroleague qualification on Tuesday night as it hosts Spanish side Gran Canaria in Game 1 of the EuroCup finals, with the series opener taking place in Samokov, Bulgaria, due to ongoing security concerns in Israel.
The best-of-three series offers a high-stakes reward: a spot in the 2025/26 Euroleague season. Game 2 is set for Friday in the Canary Islands, with a potential Game 3 back in Bulgaria on Wednesday, April 16.
Itoudis at the Helm
Hapoel’s head coach, Dimitrios Itoudis, who took over mid-season, described the matchup as “a serious challenge” and praised Gran Canaria’s depth and execution. He emphasized the need for “focus and commitment” as the Reds prepare to cap off a dramatic campaign with a chance to rise to Europe’s premier basketball competition.
Itoudis, a former Euroleague champion with CSKA Moscow, also commented on the playoff series format versus a single-elimination Final Four: “It’s a more accurate test of a team’s resilience.”
Unlikely Journey, Relocated Finale
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s run to the finals has galvanized fans and players alike, with the team overcoming roster changes, injuries, and relocation due to the Israel-Hamas war. Hosting games in Bulgaria—hundreds of miles from home—has added both logistical strain and emotional weight to their championship bid.
Gran Canaria, the 2023 EuroCup winner, brings experience and consistency, having lost just one game en route to this year’s finals.
