Eurocup

As EuroCup champs, Hapoel was given a one-year temporary license, so to speak, to the Euroleague, and anything after that was not guaranteed unless the Reds advanced to the playoffs.

Josiah-Jordan James has emerged as a key contributor for Hapoel Jerusalem as the Reds chase a EuroCup semifinal berth from their temporary home in Belgrade.

The veteran 29-year-old forward, who currently plays her club basketball in Greece with Olympiacos, spoke about national team pride, her international career and the future of women’s basketball.

The NBA-experienced forward previously struggled with efficiency, yet recently delivered one of his most complete performances in Hapoel’s 114-104 overtime victory over Cluj.

Hapoel Tel Aviv handles Ramat Gan • Beersheba beats Galil Elyon • Herliya downs Ness Ziona

Although the contest was played in Holon due to the Jerusalem Arena being unavailable, the Reds’ fans packed into Heichal Toto to witness another step toward a return to normalcy in the Holy Land.

Playing the “home” game in Riga is obviously not ideal for Israel, but the squad has faced this challenge since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.

Euroleague basketball is returning to Israel in December, with games set to resume at Menora Mivtachim Arena and Jerusalem’s Pais Arena.

“The harshest criticism we’ll hear is the criticism we direct at ourselves. We have a goal, and we know and will know how to reach it. I’m very proud of the players," said the team's coach.

Guy Luzon’s side showed remarkable character in Budapest, climbing temporarily into second place in Group G and injecting new life into its campaign.