By Amy Samin
In a moving ceremony at Nokia Arena before the Euroleague Top 16 game against Lokomotiv Kuban, former Maccabi Tel Aviv greats from the 1980’s and 1990’s, Willie Sims and Moti Daniel were inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame. Their jerseys were raised to the rafters, and each received a gold and diamond ring and an elegant commemorative plaque.
Daniel came to Maccabi in 1987 and stayed with the club for 9 seasons. During his years with the team, Daniel was considered the best sixth man in Europe. Daniel was a rare breed of player, a tremendous defender with an excellent shooting hand from all over the court, who always brought energy and excitement to the court and the stands. He won 8 Israeli Championships and 4 Israeli Cups with Maccabi, and played in three Final Fours in Europe. While playing for Maccabi Daniel scored 3,430 points (European league and Israeli league).
Sims also arrived in Maccabi during the summer of 1987, playing with the club for 5 seasons. One of the greatest athletes at that time, Sims played with all his heart. He was the go-to guy for tough defensive missions, but he was also a great scorer (1,284 points in Europe and Israel). With Maccabi, Sims won 5 Israeli Championships and 3 Israeli Cups and played in three European Final Fours.