By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following damaging defeats across all competitions, Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv has confirmed its continued support for head coach Dimitris Itoudis.
“You brought us into the EuroLeague, and you will guide us through this crisis,” was the central message from team management during an emergency meeting with the Greek expert on Monday morning, according to a report from Israeli outlet Sport 5.
In an effort to revitalize the squad, the club has submitted a significant bid to secure the services of Nigel Hayes-Davis. The Tel Aviv outfit expects a final answer from the 31-year-old forward within the next 24 hours. This plan to boost the roster extends to reinforcing the backcourt as well, as the team prepares to face critical challenges in both the EuroLeague and Israel’s Winner League.
Currently enduring a difficult four-game losing streak in the EuroLeague Regular Season, Hapoel’s record has dropped to 16–10. With 12 fixtures remaining in the 38-game double-legged round-robin schedule, they currently rank fifth in the standings, just half a game above the Play-In Showdown zone and 2.5 games away from total elimination. They now trail three games behind the leader and defending champion, Fenerbahce Beko.
Sunday’s loss to Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem resulted in a 14–2 record in the Winner League. While their 30 points technically rank above Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv’s 29, they effectively trail the 14–1 domestic record of the Yellows. Additionally, a loss to Hapoel Jerusalem on January 31 resulted in the team’s disappointing elimination from the State Cup.