It has been 27 years since Bnei Herzliya last won the State Cup;
29 years have passed since Hapoel Tel Aviv did so. Tonight the two will meet for an intriguing battle for the prestigious title. Towards the final, we convened the panel of commentators of "Israel Today", Avi Segal and Ido Eshed, to discuss the burning questions.
What is the relative advantage of each team over the opponent?
Segal: "The relative advantages are in completely different positions on the field. For Herzliya this is Chinano Onoako, who is both the best chin in the league and another game manager for Herzliya. A difficult task for Idan Zalmanson and Josh Evans. Quinton Hawker is a good game manager, but the advantage "The great of the Reds is in front of him. Bnei Herzliya does not have a coordinator in the level of experience, leadership and ability to reach big games like Jacoben Brown."
Eshed: "Herzliya's clear advantage is called Onuako, a fine player who understands the game, knows how to play with his back to the basket, deliver and is also able to throw threes. He defeated Holon in the semifinals, and Hapoel Tel Aviv will have to prepare in front of him. "Jacob Brown is more brilliant, and together with James Young and Bar Timor creates a threat to Herzliya. But the threats may be balanced, and what will be decisive is Danny Franco's many years of experience, in front of the excellent rookie himself - Oren Aharoni."
Jacoben Brown.
Coming to big games, Photo: Alan Schieber
Who can be the X Factor in each of the groups?
Eshed: "At Hapoel Tel Aviv, Igor Kolshov changes the game from the bench, just as he changed the game in the derby.
He is smart, scores threes with confidence, and produces a boost in defense and enthusiasm.
"In Herzliya, Andy Van Litt hardly made an impact in the semi-finals, but can change the game with his diverse ability as a complement to Onoako."
Staff: "This is a game that will mainly be between two pairs: on the one hand, Chris Bab and Onoaku; on the other hand, Brown and James Young. Tel Aviv is Igor Kolshov, who can provide points if the leading duo gets stuck.
"In Herzliya, this is Andy Van Velit, who has been on the decline recently, but may take advantage of the focus on Onoako to open Hapoel's defense from the outside."
Bab.
X Factor, Photo: Alan Schieber
Which player would you take from each team and transfer to a second?
Segal: "I would have transferred Brown to Herzliya. If all the talent there had been led by a coordinator of his level and experience, who was already in many great positions, it would have been a significant addition of strength. I would have transferred Onoako to Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Just imagine what a team could have been there with a goal player like the Herzliya center ... "
Eshed: "Danny Franco was happy to use Sean Dawson as a back-up to James Young, an athletic player who can penetrate and score in the transition. Oren Aharoni, who loves Israeli guards, would be happy to have Bar Timor, who would strengthen his back line and ease Hooker's supreme effort."
Who will win the coveted trophy?
Eshed: "The crowd will be mostly red, the Reds coach has much more experience, the club has much more tradition and a longing for the title after almost three decades. After beating Maccabi Tel Aviv, the trophy will be red."
Staff: "Hapoel Tel Aviv, for the following reasons: Jacoben Brown, more experience on the lines and on the parquet, and its audience that will paint the hall red."
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