Devin Smith, one of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s top players in the last two years, has signed on for two more seasons with the club.
By Amy Samin
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s excellent forward of the last two years, Devin Smith, has signed a another two year contract with the club.
Last season Smith, the quiet leader, had an impressive year, playing as always with an impressive elegance. He finished the Euroleague season with averages of 11.5 points and 4 rebounds per game and was a major factor in Maccabi’s comeback in the Top 16, which he finished with an average of 13.5 points per game. Smith’s most unforgettable moment was the huge three pointer he scored in Greece, 8 meters out and closely guarded, against the reigning Euroleague champion, Olympiacos – the bucket ended up securing Maccabi a place in the quarterfinals. Smith was chosen Player of the Month for March 2013 in the Euroleague, which explained its choice by saying, “By the end of March, it was abundantly clear that from every standpoint – statistics, leadership and big plays – Devin Smith is a true MVP.”
In the Israeli League, Smith posted averages of 13.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and was named to the Winner Sal League All-league Starting Five. Smith was the top three point shooter in the Israeli League, finishing the season with 52.9% shooting from outside the arc: 55 of 104.
After the signing, head coach David Blatt said, “In putting together the team, we recognized the need for and the importance of continuity, while at the same time strengthening the team for next season so that we can compete in the optimal way at the highest levels. In the last two years Devin has proved that he is very well-suited to a club like Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv – both as a player and as a person. He has the ability to move forward with us to the heights. We are very happy that he has chosen to remain with Maccabi.”
