The Israeli champion's captain has extended his contract and will continue for a fourth and fifth consecutive season in yellow • Will join the Israeli squad, which has already appointed Caspi, Sussman, Blazer and Cohen • Yannis Sapropoulos explains: "Maccabi needs its captain"
John D. Bartholomew. Fourth season in yellow
Photo:
Alan Shiver
John Dibertolomeo today (Thursday) officially signed a contract for another two years (with an option for a third season) at Maccabi Tel Aviv and will continue for a fourth and fifth season in a row in the yellow uniform.
Dibertolomeo (29, 1.83m), who serves as captain of the Israeli champion, started the last season excellently and scored 7.8 points (47 percent for 3) on average per game in the Euroleague until he was injured and finished the season early.
He will join the Israeli squad for Omri Caspi, Yuval Sussman, Oz Blazer, Sandy Cohen and the young Dori Sahar and Yonatan Atias who are expected to continue. The club are also interested in signing at least one of the two - Amara Studmeier or Frederic Bourdieu.
Dibertolomeo said: "I am happy and excited to continue at Maccabi Tel Aviv. The yellow jersey has felt like home to me since I arrived three years ago. I am grateful and full of appreciation that the club and coach gave me this opportunity, especially after last season's injuries. I can no longer Waiting for the moment when I will return to do what I love for the team and the fans. "
Coach Yannis Sapropoulos: "Maccabi needs its captain and that is why we all at Maccabi are very happy that John remains. He is a valuable player, he is a mainstay in the team and it is very important that we continue to fight together with John for Maccabi's success."