Ron Gutman
(25, 1.92 m) plays in the guard position in the BC Odessa team from the Ukrainian league.
Grew up in the youth department of Maccabi Petah Tikva, and then played for Maccabi Bat Yam.
For the past two years he has been on the staff of Bnei Herzliya, and in the summer he moved to Ukraine.
He initially signed for Bodiblnik Kiev, and in the middle of the season moved to Odessa.
Guttman is considered a local actor thanks to his parents, who were born in Ukraine before immigrating to Israel.
Many Israelis have left Ukraine in recent weeks due to tensions with Russia, as well as many foreign basketball players, but Guttman decided to stay.
Many Israelis have left Ukraine, why did you decide to stay?
"From what I hear and see, the situation is worse than what they draw. When everyone said a few days ago that there was going to be a war - I walked around and saw that all the restaurants are full, everything is going as usual and no one is talking about it. I do not feel a war atmosphere. "Ukrainian friends who live across the country also tell me the same thing."
It is probably difficult to frighten Israelis who have already experienced wars, operations, missiles and alarms.
"Yes, yes," laughs Guttman.
"We are made of a different material. We are not afraid of threats or some missiles."
And what will happen if Putin decides to start a war?
"I try not to think about it, but if it comes to a situation of serious escalation and life-threatening - of course I will return to Israel. At the moment I do not see it happening, and I hope it does not happen and we can end the season properly. I also know the state will do everything for "Rescue Israelis who get stuck here. Our country is something else to worry about the citizens, and that's another reason I'm calm."
Did the members of the group give you special instructions?
"They explained the situation and said there was tension. Mostly they talked to the Americans, and also gave the option to leave for a few days, but nothing special. They asked me what I was going to do, and I told them I wanted to stay as long as there was no real war."
Does the family want you back?
"They are a little worried, apparently, but they also asked and checked and saw that the situation is not as they say."
Let's talk some basketball. How is your acclimatization so far in Ukraine?
"I started well in Bodiblnik and I had a good situation, but they brought some foreigners and I moved to Odessa. I have a good situation here, I play and have a good relationship with the coach and the players. I have the opportunity to rub shoulders, get minutes and progress in my basketball. "I really enjoy Ukraine, and intend to stay here for a few more years. Ukrainian basketball is returning to the high budgets it was in the past, and there is development ahead of the 2025 European Championships to be here."
How does the Ukrainian league compare to the league in Israel?
"There are far fewer foreigners here than in Israel and the style is completely different. In Israel the league is tactical and technical and in Ukraine much more physical with high European players. In Israel of course there are some very strong teams like Maccabi, Jerusalem and others playing in Europe, but the league in Ukraine Teams want to play in Europe. "
Do you recommend Israeli players who are less likely to find themselves in Israel to go out?
"Unequivocally. It is also a great experience and can contribute a lot to your life. Anyone who has such an option I recommend him to come out. We have a career not for life and should enjoy and exhaust it as much as possible."
Do you want to return to play in Israel in the future?
"Certainly, Israel is my home and my country, but I want to return in a few years after I rub shoulders and reach a situation that will be good for me, professionally and economically."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us