Hapoel no more
Former Hapoel Tel Aviv foreign players mourn end of one of Israel’s prominent teams
Despite taking off their uniforms many years ago, news that the team has broken up reached the former players, and the sadness was heard loud and clear, even through the telephone, fax and email.
Here are their moving eulogies following the loss of one of Israel’s prominent basketball teams.
Purvis Short (1991-1992)
I am saddened to hear that Hapoel Tel Aviv has closed. I will always treasure the memories I have of my year with the team. It is a memory I shall always cherish. My family and I enjoyed our time in Tel Aviv, but most importantly, I enjoyed playing for Hapoel. I had great teammates and wonderful coaches. Coach Ralph was one of the greatest coaches I've played for. The fans were special and always provided great support. I wish them well and hope to visit Tel Aviv soon.
Fran Costello (1979-1980)
I have happy memories of our time in Israel at Hapoel Tel Aviv, particularly of the players who I remember with great affection. It was a wonderful experience and a lot of fun. Sorry to hear about their demise.
Fran Costello today – first foreign player in Hapoel
LaVon Mercer (1980-1988)
I was once told that there is no good without bad, that there has to be a way to recognize the beauty in everything. Yes for the last thirty years you have seen the growth of sports in Israel. From Tal Brody to Barry Leberitz to being of the most hated rivalry of all times not to say it did not exist before them. These two gentlemen started a revolution of sports fans that reach around the world and back again. You see every where that I have been there are two names that stand out: Hapoel and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Mercer (L) with teammate Guy Gudes (Photo: Shaul Golan)
For the fans of Hapoel I truly feel the lost, and for every one that is a Maccabi fan that was not able to attend a game in Ussishkin you really missed some special moments in the Israeli sports world
I am so sorry to hear that Hapoel Tel-Aviv does not exist anymore. I knew that they were having some problems. However, I did not know to what extent! Those are some developmental stages of my life which as some people would say that I wish I did not have to go through.
Though you do understand that I would not be the person that I am now if I would not have had those trials. Hapoel Tel-Aviv caused everyone that had the pleasure to be associated with it to learn that we have to depend on each other, believe me; we had more people that hated us than those that would openly support us. We did our best during our time there and became great friends during the process.
Amos Frisman, John Willis, Barry Lebowich and many others who gave their time and energy to try to make the program better for others. Yes Hapoel Tel-Aviv is gone and part of us went with it, the real problem is that when you're drowning don't you ask for help. They really did not ever reach out to their many fans for HELP.
Howie Lassoff (1987-1990)
On the one hand, it is a shame that a once proud and powerful club like Hapoel Tel-Aviv is gone. There are many people that have positive and negative memories about Hapoel. It's a shame but I can't say I'm surprised. For so many years, the club has been mismanaged. Managers with good intentions but poor execution. Too many financial problems. But the real issue is the Israeli Basketball Federation. Why do they allow clubs that have a history of financial problems and poor management to stay in the league?
My last year with Hapoel Jerusalem was the same. Bad management, players on strike every week, no paychecks on time and the Federation allows them to continue, even though there were many players including myself that lost a lot of money and will never see it. Clubs sign contracts with players and promise the world, even though they know they can't deliver on their promises. There needs to be accountability, financial responsibility and a strong Federation for Israeli Basketball to succeed. Unfortunately, there is only Maccabi Tel Aviv and many that want to be like Maccabi, but never will be.
James Terry (1987-88, 1990-91, 1994-96)
I can not believe Hapoel is no longer around any more. Hapoel treated me like family. Hopefully some group of people can come together and save this national treasure. You cannot talk about the history of basketball in the country without including this historical organization. Hapoel Tel Aviv. Thank you for the lifetime of memories Hapoel Tel Aviv, it was a great run while it lasted.
James Terry in red uniform (Photo: Yossi Rott)
Andy Walker (1981-1983)
Well, Hapoel Tel Aviv is closing, this is a sad day for not only sports but a place as I remember as being a true community, a place where people gathered to talk about sports or of course politics. It was a place where kids would run in and out. But my best memories are when practice was over we would head to the sea. Being right by the beach was a real treat for me and my family. My wife and kids lived on the beach. Truly this organization will be missed and what it meant for the working people of Israel.
