By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
It’s now official! Six-times NBA All-Star Amare Stoudemire will continue his career in Hapoel Jerusalem with a two -year deal as the Israeli club announced. Quite possibly the most impressive transfer this summer in European basketball.
“I had a successful career in the NBA. A great career. My journey is also a spiritual journey as well. The next phase of my career – people have documented my journey with the Holy Land the last six years, the interest in playing in Israel. That dream has come true. It’s official, I’ll be in Jerusalem with a two-year contract”, said Stoudemire during a press conference where he presented himself as a player of Hapoel Jerusalem. The former NBA player is the 7% owner of the team and his mother has hebrew heritage.
Shalom @Amareisreal and welcome to Jerusalem! #YallaHapoel#ShalomAmarepic.twitter.com/llyaY9AFvh
— Hapoel Jerusalem B.C (@JerusalemBasket) August 1, 2016
Stoudemire set the goals of the team high right from the start. “We want to win titles. We want to win the Israeli League and we want to compete for the Eurocup title.”
And what should the fans of Hapoel should expect from him? “They can go to YouTube and see my Top 100 plays”, Amare answered.
Commenting about the signing of the American center, club president Ori Allon said “I am extremely proud about this. Amare is the best player to ever come in Israel. The whole city of Jerusalem is celebrating right now.”