Assistant Coach Sharon Drucker and newly-acquired forward Elton Brown both arrived early this morning at Ben Gurion Airport and will take part in tonight’s team practice on the eve of the Euroleague game against Cibona Zagreb.
By Amy Samin
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s new forward, Elton Brown, arrived in Israel just before dawn today (Wednesday).
Said Brown, “I’m happy to be here, in spite of the long flight.
I can’t wait for the first practice.
It’s an honor to be the first player Pini Gershon has brought to the team this time around.
I haven’t talked with him yet, but we’ll talk soon.
Maccabi is a team with a long tradition, and it’s an honor to be part of the team.
I hope I can continue that tradition.
When I went to play with Holon, I had a similar goal: to win the Israeli championship.
Now I have an additional goal: to take the Euroleague.
The Israeli league is tough and competitive, with a lot of good teams.”
When asked about the pressure on the club, Brown replied, “I don’t have anything to say about that.
I’m going to try and do what I know best: win basketball games.”
Sharon Drucker, Maccabi’s new assistant coach, who will be working under Pini Gershon, arrived even earlier this morning. “Pini and I will do the maximum to make the team a better one,” said Drucker upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport.
“Pini has already gotten started on that, and now I will join in and help him.
In any event, Gershon’s the boss.
There are two reasons I’m here now.
The first one is Pini Gershon.
If it weren’t for him, I don’t know if I’d be here.
Working with him is a real opportunity for growth.
The second reason I’m here is, of course, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Being assistant coach for Maccabi is even better than being head coach for another team in Europe.
When you can say you’re been with Maccabi, it means something, no matter what league you coach in.
It’s a step up.”
Drucker had this to say about Elton Brown: “He is a player who will help Maccabi under the system that Pini uses.
Pini needs a player in the paint.
Elton lives in the paint; he’s aggressive and he loves contact.
He’s one of the best players currently available.”
The two newest members of the club will take part in tonight’s practice and in the press conference that will follow, on the eve of tomorrow’s game against Cibona Zagreb.
