After already promising to qualify for EuroBasket 2022, the Israeli team took off this morning (Monday) for Poland ahead of the last window in the qualifiers, which will be held in a bubble in the city of Galicia. Uncertainty surrounding the arrival of coach Oded Katash was resolved when his team Panathinaikos suspended their activities due to the proliferation of Corona cases, and Katsch was allowed to reach the window without missing a Euroleague game. On Friday the team will play against Romania, and will end the campaign in the game against Spain on Sunday.
Even before takeoff, a mini-drama took place: Idan Zalmanson arrived at the airport and was on his way to leave with the team for Poland, but was sent back home after one of his family members was found positive for Corona. The team decided not to take unnecessary risks and Hapoel Jerusalem Center eventually remained in Israel.
“An intense week awaits us, it’s going to be fun. I missed everyone,” he said Katsch Before takeoff and added: “Although we have promised our rise, but we want to play good basketball.” When asked if this is his last game as coach of the Israeli national team, Katsch sounded somewhat vague: “It could very well be my last window, but it’s okay. I’m very proud of the way I did. If it’s the last window, then someone will continue that way. I have no doubt here “A good future. You direct things and reality dictates differently. You never know what a day will bring.”
Katsch commented on the team that has formed under him recently and sounded excited: “This is perhaps the main reason for our success, this friendship between the players, the good atmosphere. A team has formed here that not only enjoys playing on the field, but enjoys being together and I think it’s key. You always see it on my face, but I’m really excited and having fun. “
Noam Dovrat, A Maccabi Rishon Lezion player, added: “True, we have already promised immigration and the results are less important in this window, but it is a pride every time to represent the team and we have to do it with dignity in these games as well. I am really progressing this season, and expect it to happen “Expression also in the team. I do not know exactly when it will happen, but I will continue to work hard. The next coach? There is not so much talk between the players, we do not deal with it. The near window is what is in front of us right now, do not look so far.”
