Kerry Belkshire is another one of the players that Hapoel Gilboa / Galil has brought in almost out of nowhere in recent years.
He became one of the best in the league in the media, and in the summer went on to high districts in Europe.
After excelling in the Premier League with averages of 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, this season the forward signed a big contract at Glatsray.
This week he meets Hapoel Holon twice in 48 hours as part of the top 16 in the Champions League, the first - tonight in Holon.
"There will be a tough match-up," he says in an interview with Israel Today.
"They have a lot of experienced players who play together for a long time. Their fans are some of the best in Israel, and the best I've seen in their careers, so obviously it will be difficult. We have a good chance, but to return to Turkey with a victory we will have to fight every pass."
What is special about Gilboa, that so many players have progressed from there to big teams in Europe?
"The community. All the people in the area are with you together and love you, and you feel wrapped up in a family that wants you to win. It raises the level of the players. This year it was a great experience for me. It's the longest I was away from family, "I had good teammates and the coaching staff believed in me. The residents invited me to meals, and everyone wanted to help me."
Belkshire remembers well the playoff final series against Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he and his friends missed an opportunity to win the championship right in the last game of the season.
"We had a special connection in the team and complete trust in each other, which made our season special. We beat Maccabi twice in the regular season, and we felt we could do it, and we deserved it. On the other hand, we understood how good they were. I know how many titles they won. "And they have a lot of experience in games like that. That's how basketball is."
Balkashir in Gilboa / Galil uniform.
In connection with friends, Photo: Maor Elkelsi
Are you still in touch with players from last season?
"Definitely, with some, and trying to keep track of their games and statistics. We have a WhatsApp team that we correspond with sometimes. A few weeks ago I played against Jahiba Floyd and we got to talk, I'm in touch with Yotam Hanochi a bit too. Yiftach (Ziv, YM ), Who's my guy.
I miss him, and I hope I can meet him now in Israel. "
"It does not hurt me at all"
One of the salient features of the 25-year-old Blackshire (2.08m) is that his left leg is a few inches shorter than his right foot, and he barely steps on his right heel.
It has previously been reported in the US that the source of the difference stems from an accident he had in high school, while his father, who was also a basketball player, claimed that his legs were not the same length either, and that it was a strange genetics.
Maybe you will make us order about the linguistic reason in the length of your legs?
"I was born with a difference in my ankles and it also affects my feet, but I feel normal and there is no problem. For the last six or seven years I have been playing on the tips of my feet, but I do not feel it at all, and it does not hurt me. I know it's crazy "But for me it's completely normal."
Can it keep you from reaching higher levels because teams in the Euroleague or the NBA will be afraid to take you because of it?
"Absolutely not. I have to keep playing well and persevere in my way. If I continue to play consistently at a high level, my opportunity from big teams will still come. I have no doubt about that."
Istanbul instead of Jerusalem
Belkshire has acclimatized well in Gala.
His averages in the Turkish league stand at 13.3 points (44.9 percent for 3) and 6.6 rebounds, and in the Champions League at 11.5 points and 5.2 rebounds.
"I'm doing very well at Gala. This year at Gilboa has contributed to me so that I can compete at a high level, and I thank you for that."
Balkashir against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Will want to return to Israel, Photo: Alan Shiver
Even before signing in Turkey, Balkashir was in advanced negotiations with Hapoel Jerusalem, but the deal fell through at the last minute, according to reports - due to unpaid compensation to Gilboa / Galil. And I can not really explain.
"In the end, I came to Turkey, and I'm happy with that."
Would you like to return to play in Israel in the future?
"Definitely. Israel is one of the best places I have been."
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