By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Confirming recent reports, Kessler Edwards has officially joined Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv as of Thursday. The 25-year-old forward signed a contract for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, bolstering the squad just before the EuroLeague registration deadline.
“Kessler joins us to add size and athleticism. Capable of playing both the small and power forward positions, we look forward to his integration into our system,” noted head coach Dimitris Itoudis. “After speaking with him, we expect him to bring defensive intensity and a strong athletic presence. Offensively, his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will be vital.”
“Kessler is a dynamic player who bolsters our forward rotation with high energy and elite athleticism,” added general manager George Hinas. “His efficiency as a scorer and overall versatility provide us with additional tactical options on both ends of the floor. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Hapoel Tel Aviv family.”
Edwards has spent his entire professional career moving between the NBA and the G League. Drafted 44th overall by the Brooklyn Nets out of Pepperdine in 2021, he appeared in 186 NBA games for the Nets, Sacramento Kings, and Dallas Mavericks. This season with the Grand Rapids Gold in the G League, he averaged 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks per contest.
At 16–11, Hapoel currently sits sixth in the EuroLeague standings. With 11 games remaining in the Regular Season, they remain in a tight race, only 0.5 games ahead of the Play-In Showdown zone and 2.5 games clear of the elimination zone.