By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After his thoroughly documented run in the NBA and a brief stint at Puerto Rico, Anthony Bennett has made his way to the Basketball Champions League. The top pick of the 2013 NBA draft has been playing with a chip on the shoulder, early in the 2021-22 season.
Bennett, 28, was among the main highlights of a very strong offseason for the Israeli club. Thon Maker, Sean Kilpatrick, Jalen Adams, Retin Obasohan, and others, were added to the squad of new boss Oren Amiel, named the best coach of the 2019-20 BCL season during his successful stint at Nymburk.
The Canadian big, accustomed to FIBA rules through multiple caps in international tournaments with his country from the junior to the senior level, was quick to adjust rocking a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double in his debut. However, Hapoel Jerusalem suffered a loss to Pinar Karsiyaka as Bonzie Colson connected yet another buzzer-beater game-winner.
Rumors circulating regarding Bennett moving on from his first team in Europe have to date been proven false. Following the solid debut, he did not play in the opening round of Israel’s Winner League against Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion and went on with five points and seven rebounds in the BCL Regular Season Round 2 loss to Baxi Manresa. His side fell to 0-2 in Group B.
A direct qualification to the Round of 16 might be slipping away, but making the newly introduced Play-Ins for a second chance to progress is still well in the picture with four more games left in the Champions League Regular Season. He is among the bright spots of the team and is certainly more than capable of turning the season around for the ambitious Israeli team.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League