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"If you know about a club that wants a coach - let me know." Israel today

2020-02-24T11:45:11.856Z


Israeli basketball


Constantine Pope is one of the most beloved players to play in Israel • The 49-year-old Romanian lives in the US today and earns a living with a technology company, but is sure to someday return with his Jewish wife to the Holy Land • And what about tonight's game against Romania?

  • Constantine Pope with his son. Don't forget Israel

    Photo:

    Private

When the pair of "Romanian basketball" words go on air, the average Israeli fan will immediately think of Constantine Popa. The huge past basketball player (2.20 m) was one of the country's favorite players in the years 2001-1996, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem.

It may have been the dimensions of his unusual body, the permanent smile that resided on his face or the Jewish wife that made us Israelis love him so much. Even his move from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Hapoel Jerusalem has not caused a stir, certainly not like the one we saw in recent weeks with Amara Stodmaier's signing of a yellow contract.

"I don't know, maybe because I'm a good guy," laughs Poppa, trying to explain why he was so loved in Israel. This happens during a transatlantic conversation we had with him this week in preparation for the Israeli national team against Romania tonight in Eurobasket 2021. "I guess it's because I'm a little different from other players and very high. It's hard for me to put my finger on the specific reason, but of course I really enjoyed it It was wonderful for me. "

"Life is good after basketball"

Poppa, who last week celebrated his 49th birthday, has worked for the last eight years at the University of Indianapolis Women's Group - first as an assistant, then as head coach. Last September, he resigned.

Constantine Popa. "It's hard for me to choose one moment, everything was so special" // Photo by Bernie Ardov

He currently lives in West Virginia and works in a technology company sales department. In recent years, he has overcome several medical problems that emerged in his heart, and last year even entered the Miami College Hall of Fame, which he played in his youth.

"I feel great, a little old, but overall pretty good," he says with typical Romanian cynicism. "Life is good after basketball, and from a medical standpoint, I'm fine. If I have a good chance - I'll go back to the artist."

What are the differences between women's and men's training?

"There is a big difference. It is true that training is training, but it is still different. The biggest difference is athletic and physical. Of course, women are athletic as well, but a little harder for them to withstand. In men, it is a bit more natural. There are also emotional differences, and I think women Better listening too. It's a little hard for me to explain, so you did it yourself. "

What do you remember most about the period in Israel?
"It's hard for me to pick one moment, everything was so special. Maybe the moment my son was born in Tel Aviv, it was special for us. Playing with such good players from Israel and the US was special to me, playing with Doron Shaffer after playing against him at US colleges." B was amazing, and I have a lot of good memories from the management and players of Maccabi Tel Aviv. I see that Simon Mizrahi is still in the picture, David Federman too.

During his last season in Maccabi Tel Aviv (1999/00) he played Poppa under Finny Gershon, and even got a few minutes in the Euroleague final where the Yellows lost to Panathinaikus and encouraged Ketch. "Finny was crazy all the time, he knew how to motivate people and had a special style. I remember getting a few minutes in the finals in Greece. It's hard to contribute too much when you get a few minutes here and a few minutes there. "

Poppa celebrates with family the entrance to the Miami Hall of Fame // Photo: Private

Basketball affair at a relatively young age (30). why?
“It was a combination of my family’s return to the U.S. and the fact that I had small children. Also, my body couldn't handle this lifestyle of training and playing. It's not easy to pick a skinny and tall guy like me to go all the time in color. When I was young I managed to deal with it, but as I got older - less. "

Poppa is married to Michelle, a Jewish American. As he said, his son Tristan was born in Israel, and if he wanted to, he could play in Israel as an Israeli. Last year the possibility of becoming part of the Olympic team came up, but eventually the move did not come to fruition. "If he plays in Israel one day, I would love for him. He will finish college in two months and then we'll see."

See you sometime coach in Israel?
"If anyone wants to give me a chance, I definitely will, but I know it's not that easy. If you know or hear about a club that wants to - keep me informed (laughs ...). One day I'll be back in Israel, I don't know when, But it will happen. "

Who will be in the meeting between Israel and Romania?
"Of course I'm Romanian, so I'd love if Romania wins, but I think Israel will take all the box office. I'm sure there will be a competitive game, but to my knowledge, Romanian basketball is not as good as the Israeli. Maybe things have changed since I played, but my bet is that Israel Win. "


Poppa celebrates the entrance to the Miami Hall of Fame. "I think Israel will take all the cash" // Photo: Private

Source: israelhayom

All sports articles on 2020-02-24

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