By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv opening preseason training on Monday, Elijah Bryant talked about his decision to join the EuroLeague newcomers.
“I like the project that they have been doing. I like the ambition that everyone has. I think it is something special. That is very intriguing to me. I’m excited to get started,” he mentioned during an interview streamed on the official portal of the Israeli club.
“There hasn’t been anything decided in writing,” the 30-year-old winger replied to a question on previous reports about possible issues on completing his move to Hapoel, “So, I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
“Today, I’m trying to get my family moved in, and that’s kind of how I live my life. I think we look far too ahead, get anxious, nervous. I just try to take it one day at a time and see what the day has in store for me. And then go from there,” he added.
The former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with Anadolu Efes and NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks spent his first two EuroLeague seasons with Maccabi FOX / Playtika Tel Aviv, before playing for Efes over the last four years.
“When I played at Maccabi, Hapoel didn’t have the ambition and maybe the roster it does now. It wasn’t competing like Maccabi. Now, I think it has kind of flipped. I think we have a really good roster. No disrespect to Maccabi. I respect all my opponents. But I think it just wasn’t at the same level,” he compared his experience against his new team from the opposite end of the Tel Aviv rivalry.
“I was on the other side, but now I see the fan support, being on both sides. I am super grateful for the fan support and looking forward to playing in front of them, one day soon,” Bryant mentioned.
Starting the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season and with the home venue pending, his new side is set for a home game versus FC Barcelona on September 30.
Photo Credit: Official X account of Hapoel Tel Aviv BC