October 4. Maccabi versus Darussafaka. The ex is ready (“Good timing, with the improvement in Israeli-Turkish relations.”), and so is the Gingy (“A good chance to try out our tools as we wrap up a busy pre-season.”). Admission to the game is for season ticket holders only and is free (included in the season ticket).
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By Amy Samin
It’s happening on October 4. David Blatt returns to Menora Mivtachim Arena for the first time since bringing Maccabi Tel Aviv to a glorious triple (Israeli Cup, Israeli championship, and Euroleague championship) in 2014. His purpose? An intriguing pre-season game with his new club, Darussafaka of Turkey, against his former club, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv. The meeting will take place less than two weeks before the start of the new Euroleague season, during which the two teams will meet twice more. Note: The game, which will be played at the end of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, will be open only to season ticket holders, and is free of charge (it’s included in the season ticket package).
“Darussafaka and I are happy and proud to be the guests of Maccabi in a such an intriguing and exciting pre-season game,” said Blatt. “It will be a practice game at the highest level, and will serve as a helpful preparation for both teams going into both the new Euroleague season and the local league’s season. In the current situation, with the improvement of relations between Israel and Turkey, this friendly game could not have come at a better time. Personally, I am proud and excited to be returning to Tel Aviv, to see all of my friends, and of course Maccabi’s wonderful fans who were such an important part of my professional life.”
That’s not the only story that awaits us on October 4. On Maccabi’s sidelines, for the first time, will be new head coach Erez Edelstein. The Gingy, who signed with the club this summer, feels that this pre-season game will provide an excellent opportunity for a test drive of the 2016-17 model of Maccabi. “The fans are in for a great game, and for me personally it’s going to be a very exciting evening. This is the game that will wrap up a tough and busy pre-season, and we’ll be facing one of the top teams in Europe.”
“Nothing more needs to be said about all of the achievements and history David has had with this club. He deserves the warmest and most special welcome there is from the fans in what was once his home. Beyond that, we can’t forget that this is a meeting with a Euroleague team that continues to improve. Our fans are going to get a great basketball game right before the start of the season, and we’re going to get a great trial run from which I expect to learn a lot.”
