The big man returns to Israel after stints in Spain and Romania
Maccabi signs Zach Hankins for frontcourt reinforcement
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2 Mins read
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has turned to a former star from one of its domestic rivals to upgrade its frontcourt, as Zach Hankins has signed with Maccabi for the remainder of the season.
Hankins (2.11 meters, 29 years old) arrives from Coviran Granada of the Spanish League, where he has averaged 7.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season — highlighted by a career-best 16 points and 5 boards in 23 minutes against Real Madrid two weeks ago. His versatility as a rim protector and rebounder makes him a perfect fit for Maccabi's ongoing search for frontcourt depth.
Hankins returns to a familiar country after playing parts of three seasons in Israel. He burst onto the scene with Maccabi Rishon LeZion during the 2019-20 after making his professional debut earlier that season in Czechia with CEZ Nymburk. A G League stint with Birmingham Squadron and a Puerto Rican detour with Mets de Guaynabo followed before his defining chapter with Hapoel Jerusalem in 2022.
There, he became a cornerstone, winning two Israeli Cups and earning MVP honors in the 2022-23 Israeli League (13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds). In the Basketball Champions League (BCL), he led Hapoel to the final, averaging 12.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games — securing All-BCL First Team acclaim.
Last season, Hankins helped Romanian powerhouse U-BT Cluj-Napoca reach the BKT EuroCup Quarterfinals with 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 20 games. The big man is now due to make his EuroLeague debut wearing yellow and blue.