Will we have an Israeli coach in the Euroleague this season who does not coach Maccabi Tel Aviv? The conditions between Panathinaikos and Oded Katsh are on the verge of summary. The Hapoel Jerusalem coach is in a difficult dilemma and the main consideration in front of his eyes is the fact that he will be forced to leave his current team in the middle of the season. A final decision is expected by noon.
In recent hours, Katsch has been subjected to a tremendous pressure campaign by Pao, including past players and fans who contact him and ask him to come. If and when the move goes through, it is a contract for a season and a half. Katsh’s release from Hapoel Jerusalem has not yet been agreed, the team expects to receive adequate compensation in exchange for his release.
Katsch’s decision to leave in the middle of the season has consequences. Just a few weeks ago Jerusalem refused to release Chris Kramer to the Euroleague team, so what will it look like if the coach is released and leaves what he built in the middle of the season? Therefore, this is Katsch’s big dilemma, but it is estimated that the move will be implemented.
Already in the summer we reported here on Pau’s interest in Katsch, but finally opted for the cheaper option of Giorgios Voboras. Katsh is very much appreciated and admired by the Greens, who remember him winning the European Championship in 2000 in that memorable final against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
If and when he joins Pao, Katsch will find in the locker room quite a few players he appreciates and loves. Shalvin Mack played for him in Jerusalem last year, he tried to bring Howard St. Ross to the capital more than once, and Ian Vyokas was also a candidate for Jerusalem in the past.
