Rumors

Ex-Clippers player Derrick Walton joined Israeli team Hapoel Holon for the 2025-26 season.

HoopsHype

After recording a historic triple-double against Belgium, Luka Doncic came close to another one against Israel, falling just one assist short. Still, the Los Angeles Lakers star led Slovenia to a crucial 106-96 victory over Israel, a result that sends France to the top of Group D, while both Slovenia and Israel must now wait for the outcome of the clash between Poland and Belgium. Dončić finished the game with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, shooting 8/10 on two-pointers, 4/11 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 9/9 from the free-throw line.

EuroHoops.net

A new face in the Basketball Champions League, Derrick Walton Jr. signed with Hapoel Netanel Holon, the team announced on Wednesday. “The signing reinforces the depth and professionalism of the squad ahead of many challenges in the upcoming season,” mentioned head coach Danny Franco on the 30-year-old point guard, “We desire to present the best possible lineup for any challenge presented at any given time, and the addition of Derrick is another step in that direction.”

EuroHoops.net

Asked directly about the upcoming duel with Luka Doncic, Deni Avdija didn’t flinch: “I think he is a very good player, very talented. Slovenia depends on him, and he is the main focal point. We have a very good game plan and a very good coach to prepare us. I played against him many times, and it’s not going to be any different this time. We are going to be aggressive as a team and try to get the win”.

EuroHoops.net

Portland’s forward was also asked if he is going to give any advice to the coaching stuff about Doncic, since he has faced him many times in the NBA: “I am going to give advice behind closed doors, because I don’t want to give away any secrets. He is a very good player, he is very versatile, and it’s not easy to stop him, but I believe in our guys”.

EuroHoops.net

Thanks to an admirable fourth quarter and despite the disappointment of losing to Poland in the last seconds, Israel got the crucial 80-69 win over France, which can be pivotal to the Group D rankings. It was the second win of Israel in the tournament after three games and the first defeat of France, with Deni Avdija with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five steals leading a balanced effort. “We had a tough loss yesterday, and I felt a little down, so today coming to the game with no excuses to beat one of the best teams of the tournament is a big deal, honestly, it’s one of the most fun wins I’ve had”, said Avdija

EuroHoops.net

The last defeat of France to Israel in a Eurobasket dates back to 1997. Alex Sarr wasn’t used due to a minor injury.

EuroHoops.net

Jordan Loyd was once again the hero for Poland, leading them to their second straight win at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. This time, he scored 27 points and delivered the decisive play—a tip-in off his own miss with 13 seconds left—to lift Poland past Israel 66-64. Israel still had a chance to steal the win, but Deni Avdija's final three-point attempt came up short, sealing Poland's celebration.

BasketNews

Loyd finished with 27 points, hitting five of his eight three-point attempts. In Poland's opening win over Slovenia, he had already showcased his form with 30 points and seven triples on just eight attempts.

BasketNews

After a 0-2 start, things are bound to get better for Slovenia, which has to face Belgium, Israel and Iceland, aiming for a 3-2 record, which can be enough for the third spot of Group D and a ticket to the Round of 16. Doncic’s echoed this sentiment talking after the game to the press: “”The goal is to get out of the group. In both matches so far, we have given our all, we are really giving our all. We are here to represent Slovenia and try to win and we will continue to fight. I think we have proven that we can do it, all the guys fought, really all credit to everyone. We win and lose as a team. I made a lot of mistakes today and I know that I can be much better. The analysis will be important and that we prepare as well as possible”.

EuroHoops.net

EuroHoops: Deni Avdija and Roman Sorkin were too much for Iceland to stop, and Israel began its #Eurobasket campaign with a win! 🇮🇱😤

x.com

In a conversation with Israel Hayom, sources familiar with the details described the path Israel’s team has taken on its way to the championship under these difficulties, and the impact of the tense security situation during the tournament. The attitude toward Israel worldwide as a result of the war in Gaza already affected the national team during its preparation games. Basketball association officials say it was not easy to find opponents for friendly games, as some teams did not want to appear as if they were choosing sides or expressing a political stance.

Israel Shayom

As a result, all friendly games were arranged only against countries that currently maintain relatively good relations with Israel. It was genuinely difficult to find quality opponents willing to play, and playing in Israel itself was never considered. Greece, Cyprus, and Montenegro were chosen. Unlike in previous years, due to the situation, the players were asked to downplay and hide any Israeli symbols. On all flights and outside hotels, players avoided wearing anything identifiable as Israeli and dressed only in civilian clothes. Only upon arriving at the game venue were they allowed to change into official uniforms.

Israel Shayom

The players also received media training to prepare them for political questions or possible incidents. Despite the situation, officials note that FIBA has not treated Israel differently and is actually heavily promoting the team, using Deni Avdija’s image to market the championship, as they do with other NBA stars.

Israel Shayom