Maccabi Tel Aviv recently completed a pre-season tour in Greece, where they faced Panathinaikos and Andolo Eps. Despite a close victory against Panathinaikos, Maccabi suffered a heavy defeat against Andolo Eps, raising concerns about their readiness for the upcoming season. The team is currently dealing with injuries to key players, including Tamir Blatt and Rokas Jokoveitis, which may impact their performance in the quarter-finals of the Winner Cup against Kiryat Ata.
On the other hand, TJ Shorts, a standout center known for his remarkable performances in European basketball, is set to make his Euroleague debut this season with Paris. Shorts has led his previous teams to significant victories, including the Eurocup title, and is now tasked with proving his skills at a higher level under new head coach Tiago Splitter. His ability to adapt to new coaching dynamics and maintain his impressive form will be closely watched in the upcoming Euroleague season.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent games highlighted both their potential and vulnerabilities. The team displayed strong capabilities in their first pre-season match but faltered in the second, indicating a need for improvement as they prepare for competitive play in the Euroleague. The injuries sustained during the tour could challenge their depth and strategy in the upcoming matches, particularly against Kiryat Ata.
- Meanwhile, TJ Shorts' journey in European basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary. Standing at just 1.75 meters tall, he has dominated the court, leading his teams to multiple championships. As he transitions to the Euroleague, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate his past successes and become a key player for Paris. His previous coach's departure adds an additional layer of complexity to his performance this season.
