Baskonia Vitoria-Gastiez announced Friday afternoon that it has signed Paolo Galbiati as the new head coach for the next two seasons, as the team also officially parted ways with Pablo Laso. For the Italian technician, this will be the first head coaching gig in the EuroLeague, and also first outside of his native country.

Baskonia appoints Paolo Galbiati as new coach

Baskonia Vitoria-Gastiez announced Friday afternoon that it has signed Paolo Galbiati as the new head coach for the next two seasons, as the team also officially parted ways with Pablo Laso. For the Italian technician, this will be the first head coaching gig in the EuroLeague, and also first outside of his native country.

Galbiati, 41, arrives from BKT EuroCup side Dolomiti Energia Trento, which he led the past two seasons. Trento had a 13-23 record in the EuroCup over that span, while Galbiati guided the team to a fourth-place regular-season finish in the Italian League last season.

He is now set to make his EuroLeague debut with Baskonia, replacing Coach Laso who led his hometown team to a 14-20 record in the EuroLeague last season and a playoff appearance in the Spanish League.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">📋 Paolo Galbiati, nuevo entrenador de Baskonia <br><br>🗞️ <a href="https://t.co/pDiZxzSKP3">https://t.co/pDiZxzSKP3</a><br> <br> Benvenuti alla vostra nuova casa 🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OngiEtorriPaolo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OngiEtorriPaolo</a> <a href="https://t.co/oS866fZys8">pic.twitter.com/oS866fZys8</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1953823858512867754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Galbiati had a brief career as a player, and in 2007 he already started coaching youth teams, and he worked his way up until he won the U17 league title with Olimpia Milan in 2013. In 2016 he made his debut in the Italian League as an assistant coach to Luca Banchi first and Carlo Recalcati later in Turin. A couple of years later, in 2018, Galbiati led Turin to the Italian Cup trophy. He stayed in Turin the following season to assist Larry Brown and later to take the lead once more, and after that he joined Biella, where he could not finish the 2019-20 season due to COVID.

He went on to spending two seasons as head coach of Cremona in the Italian League, then a year as an assistant coach at Varese. In 2021 and 2022, Galbiati was also part of the technical staff at the Italian national team, with which took part in the Tokyo Olympics. He also led U20 Italian national team at the 2024 European Championship.

The club also announced parting ways with Pablo Laso

Hapoel Tel Aviv announced that it has extended the contract of forward Oz Blayzer through the end of the 2027-28 season

Oz Blayzer extends stay with Hapoel Tel Aviv

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) announced that it has extended the contract of forward [Oz Blayzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/oz-blayzer/009877/) through the end of the 2027-28 season.

Blayzer (2.00 meters, 32 years old) joined Hapoel in 2024 and appeared in 16 games in the EuroCup to help the team take the crown. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds over 26 Israeli League games, too.

A seasoned veteran, Blayzer began his professional career with Hapoel Afula in 2011 and has since played for Bnei Herzliya, Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Rishon LeZion, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem. His career highlights include winning the Israeli League in 2021 with Maccabi Tel Aviv and raising the Israeli Cup three times. He is a four-time Israeli League All-Star and was named Rising Star in 2014.

Best of Oz Blayzer: 2024-25

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מועדון הכדורסל הפועל &quot;IBI&quot; תל אביב שמח לבשר על הארכת חוזהו של הפורוורד עוז בלייזר עד לסיום עונת 2027/28. <br><br>עוז העמיד ממוצעים של 5.5 נקודות, 3.0 ריבאונדים ו-39.3% לשלוש בעונה החולפת בליגת ווינר. הפורוורד היה מהשחקנים המובילים בליגה במדד הפלוס מינוס, סחיטת עבירות תוקף ואחוזים מחוץ… <a href="https://t.co/1sNiLdKONo">pic.twitter.com/1sNiLdKONo</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1953774585268363531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Hapoel Tel Aviv

The veteran forward has a contract with Hapoel for three more seasons

Maccabi’s calculated gamble: Can talent trump experience?

It’s not unusual to see a EuroLeague team overhaul its roster in one summer. In fact, over the past decade, [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) has done it more than once. But this summer feels different.

Under new general manager Claudio Coldebella, five of Maccabi’s first six signings had never played in the EuroLeague. The lone exception, [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/lonnie-walker-returns-to-the-euroleague-with-maccabi/), suited up for just half a season with Zalgiris Kaunas.

It’s undeniably a gamble. But like any gamble, it comes with both risk and potential reward. Here's a breakdown of who Maccabi has brought in, the questions surrounding the new roster, and the upside that could change the equation.

### Maccabi’s 2025–26 roster

Following the recent addition of [Uros Trifunovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-snags-serbian-swingman-uros-trifunovic/), Maccabi now has 14 players under contract. However, it’s widely expected that one of them – Rokas Jokubaitis – will soon leave for another EuroLeague team. Meanwhile, an additional center is likely to join before training camp opens.

Assuming that scenario plays out, Maccabi would return six players from last season: guards Tamir Blatt, John DiBartolomeo and Jimmy Clark, and forwards Roman Sorkin, Jaylen Hoard and Will Rayman. Of the seven newcomers, only two have EuroLeague experience: Walker and Trifunovic. The latter logged 54 appearances for Partizan Mozzart Belgrade from 2022 to 2024.

The rest are EuroLeague rookies. That said, three – [Jeff Dowtin Jr.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/jeff-dowtin-jr-becomes-the-latest-piece-in-the-maccabi-puzzle/), [Oshae Brissett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-brings-oshae-brisset-to-the-euroleague/) and [T.J. Leaf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-brings-t-j-leaf-back-to-his-roots/) – bring notable NBA résumés, while big man [Marcio Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-inks-marcio-santos-to-three-year-deal/) arrives from the BKT EuroCup. Israeli forward [Gur Lavy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-lands-israeli-leagues-most-improved-player-gur-lavy/), 24, remains an intriguing option with minimal experience at the top level.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מישהו רוצה למסור לך משהו 🔊<a href="https://twitter.com/JeffD_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffD_11</a> <a href="https://t.co/XgR69xbBSf">pic.twitter.com/XgR69xbBSf</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1952734941344563549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### What are the risks?

Overhauling more than half of a roster is always risky, though recent history suggests it can work. Just ask Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, who pulled it off en route to the title two seasons ago. Still, Maccabi’s approach is unique.

Chief among the concerns is the plan to give major minutes to Dowtin at point guard. Very few American point guards have entered the EuroLeague without prior international experience and immediately made a major impact. Tyus Edney was the last to truly do so.

There have been American stars, no doubt. But many followed a different path. The likes of Mike James, J.R. Holden, Terrell McIntyre and T.J. Shorts played for other clubs in Europe before reaching the EuroLeague. For Shane Larkin and Wade Baldwin, the breakout came in the second season, while Kendrick Nunn and Trajan Langdon played off ball.

Maccabi will be counting on Dowtin to buck that trend – and potentially to do it surrounded by players with little or no EuroLeague experience. Picture a lineup of Dowtin, Walker, Brissett, Leaf and Santos. The talent is there. The experience in the competition is not.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s what <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffD_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffD_11</a> brings to the table 👇 <a href="https://t.co/LXWUJQVd5R">pic.twitter.com/LXWUJQVd5R</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1952661343984644541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Calculated risks, not blind faith

To its credit, Maccabi knows what it’s doing. Dowtin brings something the team felt it lacked at point guard: size.

After an impressive debut season in Tel Aviv, Jokubaitis was in line for a new contract in June. But when the conflict with Iran led to the Israeli League canceling its playoffs – and most foreign players, including Jokubaitis, leaving the country – his stance on returning changed. Despite being under contract, he now appears headed elsewhere.

At 1.93 meters, Jokubaitis offered the length to share the court with shorter guards like Blatt and DiBartolomeo. A smaller replacement would have created a logjam. Maccabi prioritized finding a point guard who could also slide to the ‘2’. Enter Dowtin.

There’s also built-in chemistry. Dowtin spent part of last season with both Walker and Brissett on the Philadelphia 76ers. He logged 83:29 of court time alongside Walker across 10 games, including a 30-point explosion in one of his final appearances. He also shared the floor for over 42 minutes with Brissett. Those minutes matter – especially for a team light on EuroLeague experience.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">בקרוב שוב יחד, הפעם בצהוב-כחול 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lonniewalker_4</a> X <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffD_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffD_11</a> <br>[Gettyimages] <a href="https://t.co/vPeEHGoCaW">pic.twitter.com/vPeEHGoCaW</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1953004348876693952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The potential payoff

Last season, Paris Basketball showed that experience isn’t everything. Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the competition, the EuroCup champs reached the EuroLeague Playoffs by leveraging speed, athleticism, and efficiency.

Could Maccabi do the same? With Oded Kattash – an offensive savant both as a player and coach – why not? The goal may not be to adapt to the EuroLeague's style, but to force the league to adapt to Maccabi’s.

Dowtin, of course, still has a learning curve. So does Walker, even after flashes of brilliance with Zalgiris. But when Walker got going last season, he was nearly unstoppable. With a full preseason under his belt, he could emerge as one of the league’s premier scorers – and make life easier for his teammates in the process.

Leaf and Brissett also bring untapped potential. Leaf, a former NBA first-round pick, has a natural connection to the team; he was born in Tel Aviv, played for Israel’s youth teams alongside Blatt, and his father Brad was once teammates with Tamir Blatt’s father, David.

This isn’t a blind leap. It’s a calculated risk. One that might just reshape what we think is possible for a EuroLeague roster.

Whether it works or not, it’s going to be fascinating to watch.

More on Maccabi 

The roster is loaded with NBA-caliber newcomers, but most lack EuroLeague reps. Will the risk pay off?

Baskonia has added elite athleticism by signing explosive swingman Hamidou Diallo on a two-year contract

Baskonia lands former NBA Dunk Contest champ Hamidou Diallo

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/) added elite athleticism by signing explosive swingman Hamidou Diallo on a two-year contract, the club announced Thursday.

Diallo (1.99 meters, 26 years old) arrives from Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association, where he posted standout numbers. He averaged 22.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with Shanxi, including a career-high 46-point performance against Zhejiang.

He is a native of New York City and holds a Guinean passport. He was selected 45th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft and played 265 games in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2019 and built a reputation as a high-energy defender and transition scorer. Diallo now joins Baskonia with the goal of becoming a key contributor.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✍️🏀 OFICIAL |  Hamidou Diallo,  potencia y físico para el perímetro de juego de Baskonia<br><br>📎<a href="https://t.co/Uq0NPRAeM9">https://t.co/Uq0NPRAeM9</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OngiEtorriDiallo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OngiEtorriDiallo</a> <a href="https://t.co/xML4MbPRzk">pic.twitter.com/xML4MbPRzk</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1953384119884190109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Baskonia news

Athletic swingman joins on two-year deal following standout CBA campaign

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has signed Serbian swingman Uros Trifunovic

Maccabi snags Serbian swingman Uros Trifunovic

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) has signed Serbian swingman [Uros Trifunovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/uros-trifunovic/007673/), the club announced on Thursday. The sides penned a two-year-contract.

Trifunovic (1.98 meters, 24 years old) arrives from Tofas Bursa, where he delivered a standout campaign in the Turkish League, averaging 11.3 points on 40.7% three-point shooting and 2.2 rebounds over 32 games.

Best of Uros Trifunovic: 2022-23

A product of Partizan Belgrade’s youth system, Trifunovic played two full EuroLeague seasons with the Serbian powerhouse from 2022 to 2024, gaining valuable experience at the highest level. Known for his excellent outside shooting, defensive intensity, off-ball movement, and ability to guard multiple positions, he’s expected to bring depth and versatility to Maccabi’s perimeter rotation.

Trifunovic is currently training with the Serbian national team ahead of EuroBasket 2025, hoping to earn a spot on the final roster. Interestingly, with Maccabi still playing many of its home games in Belgrade, Trifunovic may spend much of the season in his native city.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">כל הפרטים &gt; <a href="https://t.co/vLkXhnnvp3">https://t.co/vLkXhnnvp3</a> <a href="https://t.co/deA0zTWxSr">pic.twitter.com/deA0zTWxSr</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1953379982039781823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The latest news from Maccabi

The former Partizan player returns to the EuroLeague after a breakout season in Turkiye

FC Bayern Munich has signed American guard Kamar Baldwin, the club announced Wednesday. The contract is for two seasons with an option for a third year

Kamar Baldwin brings his bag of tricks to Bayern

[FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/) has signed American guard [Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/), the club announced Wednesday. The contract is for two seasons with an option for a third year.

Baldwin (1.85 meters, 27 years old) arrives from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, where he averaged 7.1 points and 2.8 assists across 25 appearances in the EuroLeague last season and 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in Spanish League action. It was Baldwin's first EuroLeague campaign. He now returns to Germany after playing for BG Gottinghen during the 2021-22 season.

Kamar Baldwin highlights: 2024-25

After playing college basketball at Butler University, where Baldwin earned First-Team All-Big East honors in 2020, he has played professionally in the G League, Turkiye, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with stops at the Maine Celtics, Turk Telekom Ankara, Gottingen, Dolomiti Energia Trento, and most recently Baskonia. He has also played on the Georgian national team.

“Coach Gordie and GM Dragan [Tarlac] made a big effort to bring me here. I want to win the BBL and help reach the EuroLeague playoffs.” 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑 👋<br><br>🇺🇸 We&#39;ve signed <a href="https://twitter.com/kamar3baldwin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kamar3baldwin</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a>, who also played in the <a href="https://twitter.com/easyCreditBBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@easyCreditBBL</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/BGGoettingen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BGGoettingen</a>! Read all about it ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1953031604387102882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Bayern Munich

The dynamic combo guard joins the German champs on two-year deal 

Vote for the best All-EuroLeague First Team in history: 2006 vs. 2004

Each season, the top five players in Europe’s premier basketball competition are recognized with All-EuroLeague First Team honors. Over the past quarter century, these elite selections have showcased a who’s who of basketball legends, from rising stars to Hall of Famers and everything in between.

This summer, we're putting them all head-to-head to answer one big question: Which All-EuroLeague First Team stands above the rest?

We seeded all 24 teams into a bracket created by our panel of in-house EuroLeague experts.

Several times a week, we’ll reveal a new matchup on the official **EuroLeague Instagram account**, where you can vote for your favorite. In the first round, eight teams were eliminated and now 16 remain. Who will you vote into the quarterfinals?

Right here on the official EuroLeague website, you’ll find a quick breakdown of each matchup – and which team we think deserves the edge.

Let the debates begin. Let the voting begin. Let the best team win!

2006 vs. 2004

2006

- [Theo Papaloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theodoros-papaloukas/profile/atw/), CSKA Moscow (age 29)
- [Juan Carlos Navarro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-carlos-navarro/profile/adi/), Barcelona (age 25)
- [Anthony Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/anthony-parker/profile/aow/), Maccabi (age 30)
- [Luis Scola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luis-scola/profile/ajg/), Baskonia (age 26)
- [Nikola Vujcic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-vujcic/profile/apb/), Maccabi (age 27)

2004

- [Sarunas Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saras-jasikevicius/adg/), Maccabi (age 28)
- [Marcus Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marcus-brown/aht/), CSKA (age 30)
- [Anthony Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/anthony-parker/profile/aow/), Maccabi (age 28)
- [Mirsad Turkcan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mirsad-turkcan/profile/ayr/), CSKA (age 27)
- [Arvydas Sabonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arvydas-sabonis/ayo/), Zalgiris (age 39)

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-5X4etqod/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-5X4etqod/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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This matchup is super interesting because these are all players from the same era! The 2006 team already advanced to this stage when the fans voted for it over a dangerous 2014 side. Team 2006 is perfectly balanced with a natural player at every position. Papaloukas is a team-first playmaker, Navarro an efficient scorer, Parker was at the time a wo-time reigning MVP – and still to date the only player to be named MVP twice, Scola is as dangerous a low-post scorer as there was and Vujcic is in his triple-double prime.

However, that team would surely have its work cut out for it against the 2004 version, with Parker just two years younger. Jasikevicius is a point guard who would do whatever it takes to win. Brown is one of the best scorers in the continent and Turkcan averages a double-double. The most-significant difference maker might just be Sabonis, who even at age 39 was an absolutely dominant force. Don’t believe me? Listen to what Vujcic said about him years later in the [Symphony in Yellow](https://youtu.be/xyDDPeazuIY?si=QbiB70wncJ3whNmz&t=470) documentary.

While on paper the matchup between these teams seems super exciting, I think that the 2004 version would walk away as the winner. I give it the advantage in the backcourt and at center, with Parker obviously a wash. The duel at power forward would be close, with Scola the better scorer and Turkcan the better rebounder. All things considered, the 2004 team is one of the strongest so far in this competition and gets my vote. Agree or disagree?

We are into the second round of our matchups as we seek to crown the greatest All-EuroLeague First Team! This time it's 2006 against 2004!

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv has signed point guard Guy Palatin to a contract extension that will keep the sides together through the 2027-28 season

Hapoel pens defensive ace Guy Palatin to extension

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) has signed point guard [Guy Palatin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guy-palatin/profile/013283/) to a contract extension that will keep the sides together through the 2027-28 season.

Palatin (1.95 meters, 24 years old) appeared in 17 BKT EuroCup games last season – including both games in the finals – to help Hapoel take the crown and secure a spot in the EuroLeague. While he posted marginal numbers in just 5:47 minutes per game, Palatin's tenacious defense allowed for him to be used to lock down opposing guards in specific situations, including often at the end of quarters.

The guard had a larger role in domestic action with averages of 4.8 points on 42.5% three-point shooting, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in just over 15 minutes per game.

"I’m excited and proud to extend my contract with the club through the summer of 2028. I want to thank the ownership, management, Coach Dimitris Itoudis, and Sporting Director George Chinas for their trust," Palatin said. "It’s a great honor to wear the red jersey. This past season was especially emotional, and I truly hope it’s just the beginning. I’m eagerly looking forward to the road ahead and believe that together we will continue to make big dreams come true."

Best of Guy Palatin: 2024-25

Palatin played in the youth categories for both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Holon. He made his professional debut with Holon and also played for Hapoel Ramat Gan and for Maccabi Rishon Lezion before joining Maccani Kiryat Ata for the 2023-24 season.

That would be his breakout season as he posted 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. Palatin led the league in steals and was chosen as the 2024 Israeli League Defensive Player of the Year. He has played for the Israeli national team at the youth levels and senior levels, too.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מועדון הכדורסל הפועל &quot;IBI&quot; תל אביב שמח לבשר על הארכת חוזהו של הגארד/פורוורד גיא פלטין עד לסיום עונת 2027/28.<br><br>גיא נחשב לאחד משחקני ההגנה הטובים ביותר בישראל כבר שנתיים ברציפות, כשבעונת 2023/24 זכה בתואר &quot;שחקן ההגנה של העונה&quot;, והיה עם ממוצע החטיפות למשחק מהגבוהים באירופה.<br><br>בעונה… <a href="https://t.co/stprCruYQi">pic.twitter.com/stprCruYQi</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1952657046630777296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Hapoel Tel Aviv News

The point guard enters his second season with the team 

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv has agreed on a deal with American point guard Jeff Dowtin Jr.

Jeff Dowtin Jr. becomes the latest piece in the Maccabi puzzle

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/roster/tel/) has agreed on a three-year deal with American point guard Jeff Dowtin Jr., the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Dowtin (1.91 meters, 28 years old) arrives from the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was a teammate of another new Maccabi guard, [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/lonnie-walker-returns-to-the-euroleague-with-maccabi/), last season. Dowtin spent the last two seasons with Philadelphia and its G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He averaged 7.0 points and 1.9 assists over 15.1 minutes per game in 41 appearances with Philadelphia last season. He was worth 24.6 points and 4.1 assists in 17 games with Delaware.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yes, Jeff! 👨‍🍳 <a href="https://t.co/xoy1I3PWYV">pic.twitter.com/xoy1I3PWYV</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1952648914395418740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I'm very happy to arrive in Tel Aviv and play for Maccabi," Dowtin said in a statement on the club's website. "I can't wait to start my new chapter in Europe and play for such a traditional club with an amazing fan base. I want to thank the management and coaching staff for the opportunity, let's get it!"

After playing college basketball at Rhode Island, Dowtin made his professional debut in the G League with the Lakeland Magic, which he helped to win the 2021 G League championship. Dowtin also played briefly with the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, as well as their affiliates across his four years in the NBA.  He is now slated to make his EuroLeague debut with Maccabi.

The combo-guard is a veteran of four NBA seasons 