There is something to learn.
Despite the small number of training games and the shortening of the preparation period to a week and a half, there are interesting things that can be learned about the new Maccabi Tel Aviv from its appearance in the Winner's Cup tournament that it won tonight (Sunday).
Things are even more prominent compared to last season's Maccabi, and it seems that Maccabi's management has identified the problems and solved them in an original and hopeful way for a much better season.
Coordinator
problem:
Scotty Wilbkin is not allowed to play as a coordinator, not even in training.
He must concentrate on scoring points, and not get tired of passing the half with balls.
Keenan Evans and Yiftach Ziv, with the backing of the indefatigable John Dibertolomeo close this corner excellently.
Maccabi will also change the method to a configuration of two guards who lead the ball, and especially move the ball forward quickly with dedication.
We will live and not die:
More than that, it seems that this year Wilbkin will be relegated from the position of "live or die with him" to the rank of "only" important player, who will play a few good minutes and rest, then return for another round, which is great for Maccabi and Wilbkin himself. Finish games are fresher, then dramatically improve his success rates on crucial shots, which were single-digit last season.
Wilbkin, Photo: Photo: Oded Karni
Position 3:
What will allow the Scot to be relaxed is the staffing of the most problematic position in Maccabi, the small forward position.
Since Devin Smith (when he was healthy) Maccabi has not had a real and complete player in this position.
Then came Nanley, who despite a slight difficulty lowering the ball to the floor shows high game intelligence, high involvement in all offensive moves, and despite the ticking of threes shots, seeks his highs under the basket and demonstrates impressive passing ability.
Career opportunity:
Roman Sorkin must take advantage of the next two months in which Ante Žažić will try to overcome the muscle tear in order to become a player that Maccabi Tel Aviv cannot do without.
And this is true both in the local league and in Europe.
Apparently even he did not expect so many minutes of play, but in the current situation, when Derek Williams is not fit either, Sorkin is a very important player in Maccabi's rotation, and most importantly, Coach Yannis likes what he sees.
He has tremendous athletic ability and a basketball talent rare for his size, and understands he will gain minutes through defense.
And when he gets confidence and the threes come in too, the sky is the limit for him.
