After more than two years of playing EuroLeague home games in Belgrade due to regional security concerns, Maccabi Tel Aviv is on the verge of returning to its home court in tel Aviv. The expected relocation, recently approved by EuroLeague officials, marks a notable turning point for the team and its devoted fanbase, who have faced logistical challenges and emotional distance throughout the extended period abroad. Head coach Oded Kattash recently expressed the profound impact of the potential return,highlighting the difficulties overcome and the team’s commitment to representing both Maccabi and Israel on the court.
“This is a special victory. For most of the game, we played the right way. We need to take the belief from this game with us. Whether we win or lose, it’s always fun to play here – the atmosphere is amazing.”
That was the reaction of Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash following a recent win, a moment carrying particular weight for the team.
For over two years, the team has been forced to play its EuroLeague home games in Belgrade, a situation stemming from regional instability.
However, a recent favorable decision from EuroLeague officials is set to change that, with Maccabi expected to return to Tel Aviv in the near future.
“There aren’t enough hours in a press conference to talk about it. But I can say – it’s a dream come true. We couldn’t even think about it. We’ve had a lot of difficulties during this period, but we’ve tried in every possible way to represent Maccabi and Israel in the best way possible,” Kattash continued.
Last season, Kattash coached Rokas Jokubaitis, who was a key player for the team at the time.
The guard suffered a serious knee injury during the European Basketball Championship in the fall.
“I physically felt that injury myself. Rokas is a wonderful guy, a great player. We love him. He was with us during the most difficult moments. When you came to practice and saw him, it was like seeing sunlight,” Kattash said with a smile.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team is poised to return to its home court in Tel Aviv after more than two years of playing home games in Belgrade, a move celebrated by the team’s coach and players.
The relocation was necessitated by ongoing regional challenges, forcing the EuroLeague team to find a temporary home base. The decision to allow Maccabi to return to Tel Aviv, recently approved by EuroLeague officials, is being hailed as a significant development for the team and its fans. Playing games in a stable and familiar environment can positively impact athlete performance and team morale.
“This is a special victory. For most of the game, we played the right way. We need to take the belief from this game with us. Whether we win or lose, it’s always fun to play here – the atmosphere is amazing,” said Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash following a recent game.
Kattash emphasized the emotional weight of the potential return, stating, “There aren’t enough hours in a press conference to talk about it. But I can say – it’s a dream come true. We couldn’t even think about it. We’ve had a lot of difficulties during this period, but we’ve tried in every possible way to represent Maccabi and Israel in the best way possible.”
The coach also shared a personal connection to a player’s recent hardship, referencing the knee injury sustained by guard Rokas Jokubaitis during the European Basketball Championship last fall. “I physically felt that injury myself. Rokas is a wonderful guy, a great player. We love him. He was with us during the most difficult moments. When you came to practice and saw him, it was like seeing sunlight,” Kattash remarked.
